Everton fans on the Wirral are calling for more frequent Merseyrail services to combat crowded trains after evening and Sunday matches. They are urging the operator to introduce 15-minute services for Wirral Blues after games, when trains currently run every 30 minutes.
Following Everton's move to Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer, crowds at Sandhills station have been a major talking point. But some fans say services on the Wirral Line also need attention.
Fans raise 'unsafe' crowding concerns
Season ticket holder Alan Runswick, who raised concerns over crowded Wirral Line services, has now been offered a meeting with Merseyrail to discuss the network's match-day plans. He told the ECHO that he and others have felt "unsafe" getting the train back from Everton matches.
He explained that, in addition to Wirral Blues, many fans from north Wales take the Merseyrail train to Bidston before connecting to a Transport for Wales service. He said James Street station has become a "pressure point" with fans, including those just visiting Liverpool, trying to get back to the Wirral. He hopes to secure 15-minute services after all Everton matches to ease the crowding.
Merseyrail response
A Merseyrail spokesperson told the ECHO: "Every Everton home fixture has a dedicated operational plan based on the kick-off time, expected customer demand and available resources."
"For Sunday and evening fixtures in particular, Merseyrail routinely operates significantly more services than would otherwise run at that time of day, with additional train services introduced across the network. We also deploy additional station staff at key locations, including James Street, to help manage customer flows safely."
"Demand following Everton matches is typically concentrated on services from Sandhills immediately after the final whistle. However, we recognise the importance of providing sufficient capacity for customers travelling on the Wirral Line and have operated additional Wirral Line services at a number of fixtures where this has been required."
"We continually review customer feedback, demand and operational data to ensure we are meeting the needs of both Everton fans and other customers travelling on the network."
