Everton Stadium will welcome up to 25,000 fans this weekend
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Stagecoach is to lay on a new shuttle service this weekend
Stagecoach is to lay on a new shuttle service this weekend
A new bus service has been introduced ahead of the second test event at Everton’s new home this weekend. Around 25,000 fans are expected at an u21 friendly match on Sunday as part of tests for the new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of its full opening in August.
Following a meeting with fans groups and representatives from Everton FC, transport chiefs have announced additional services are to be laid on across the region’s rail, bus and ferry networks next weekend. The club has also confirmed it has launched an online travel hub to provide relevant and official travel information.
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Stagecoach, which provides bus services across the Liverpool City Region, has now confirmed it has laid on a new provision as part of two shuttle bus options available at the weekend. The new 939 service will offer pick up and drop off beginning in Bootle heading towards Everton Stadium.
The shuttle will start from Bootle bus station, taking in Washington Parade near the Strand shopping centre. Fans will be dropped off at Derby Road at Wellington Employment Park, north of Blackstone Street.
A 919 shuttle bus will also pick up and drop off from Commutation Row in Liverpool city centre, before dropping off at Great Howard Street. Both services will begin operating two hours before kick-off.
After the match, the 919 and 939 shuttle services will be available to transport fans back to their original pick-up points. Bus loaders will be on hand to assist with boarding at designated locations.
In this aerial view fans arrive for the first ever game, a test match, at Bramley Moore Dock, the new home of Everton Football Club on February 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Everton's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock(Image: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Simon Tramalloni, interim operations director at Stagecoach MCSL, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting Everton fans with reliable and affordable shuttle services for the second test event. Our established 919 service and the new 939 route provide convenient options for supporters traveling from both the city centre and Bootle.
“We're committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable matchday experience for everyone.” Following the first test event last month, officials came in for criticism particularly around capacity at Sandhills station and development of a fan management zone.
Rail bosses have asked for patience when using Sandhills in particular and asked for passengers to be kind to staff. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said changes had been made based on fan feedback to deliver “the best matchday experience possible".
New holding area for Everton fans using Sandhills Station,for the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.(Pic Andrew Teebay).
New holding area for Everton fans using Sandhills Station,for the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.(Pic Andrew Teebay).
To deal with the increased number of users passing through, Merseyrail has confirmed it will amend its Sunday timetable accordingly. Services will run every 15 minutes on the Southport, Ormskirk and Headbolt Lane lines, with eight car trains where possible.
Passengers are being urged to allow more time for journeys accordingly. Fans can access the Everton travel hub by visiting the club’s website.