Merseyrail are to review plans for additional services in the aftermath of demand during the second test event at Everton’s new stadium.
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00:00Mersey Rail are set to review plans for additional services in the aftermath of demand during the second test event at Everton's new stadium.
00:08With more than 12,000 people using the region's trains on Sunday afternoon, almost half the expected capacity,
00:14the rail operator laid on extra services and larger trains to cope with the number of fans passing through.
00:20Around 25,000 turned out at Bramley Moor Dog for the second in a series of three test events at the new ground.
00:28Mersey Rail chiefs have now had their say on how things went on the network, saying they're pleased with the outcome.
00:35The day wasn't without a couple of snags, with increased demand on the Hunt Cross line
00:40and a trespasser on the line bringing Southport services to a brief halt.
00:45After the first test event, questions were raised about the viability of transport infrastructure around the new 52,000-seater stadium,
00:53particularly focused on Sandhill station. Passengers after the game spoke of a crowded platform and fearing for their safety
01:00as they waited for 30-minute services being put on.
01:03To deal with the increased number of users passing through, Mersey Rail amended its Sunday timetable accordingly.
01:09Services ran every 15 minutes on the Southport, Ormskirk and Headbolt lane lines, with eight car trains where possible.
01:18Mersey Rail said the use of eight car trains and additional services before and after the event did help to manage the increased number of customers,
01:24keeping queues to a minimum and ensuring everyone reached their destination safely and swiftly.
01:30Stephen Dodd, Mersey Rail chief operating officer, said these test events allow us to further improve the overall travel experience for fans.
01:39Preparations will now begin for the third and final test event later this summer.