MERSEYRAIL is in talks to add three further trains to its fleet to boost rush-hour capacity.

The operator is struggling to cope with rising passenger numbers and wants to run as many six-carriage trains as possible.

A spokesman confirmed it is in talks with Angel Trains, which owns and leases Merseyrail’s current fleet, about adding three more three-car units to ease passenger congestion.

The rolling stock is currently part of London Overground.

But a replacement programme at that operator means older trains will become available soon.

If a deal can be struck to lease and refurbish the units, they could enter service by next summer.

Mr Boersma said: “We run every available six-train set we can. The extra trains would give us a buffer.

“We follow flows and count passengers so we try and target the units where passengers need them.”

He added: “There are a lot of financial implications. Details have to be finalised and the trains would have to be refurbished, but they could be in service by mid-2010.”