Steve Rotheram said: “I was relieved that it went as well as it did but the real test is on a football match"
Fans begin to arrive at Sandhills following the Everton vs Roma game
Fans begin to arrive at Sandhills following the Everton vs Roma game
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has admitted “the real test” for Merseyrail comes as Everton’s new stadium holds two official fixtures in a matter of days. After three practice events, the build up is over for Hill Dickinson Stadium as it welcomes Blues fans for its first ever Premier League fixture this afternoon. (Sunday)
The Toffees host Brighton and Hove Albion at their new home at 2pm, the club's first home league game to be played somewhere other than Goodison Park for 133 years. Around 50,000 fans are expected for the landmark occasion.
A large proportion of those supporters are anticipated to use the Merseyrail network to get to and from the game, with Sandhills the closest station to the ground. Looking ahead to the match this afternoon, Mr Rotheram said usage today and on Wednesday night for the Carabao Cup tie against Mansfield will prove if the upgrades put in place are up to scratch.
To support the expected increase in passenger numbers, Merseyrail will operate a 15-minute timetable on key lines, including Southport, Ormskirk, Hunts Cross and Headbolt Lane, before and after the match. All available four and eight car trains will also be in service.
Temporary timetable changes will be in place on the Southport line, with Liverpool-bound services arriving and departing at different times than usual between 11am and 6pm. A 30 minute timetable will also be in effect all day for customers using Cressington Station.
A new passenger footbridge was installed for the final test event against Roma on August 9, while a fan management zone was also put up inside the station footprint to ease the flow of people coming through. Mr Rotheram said he was pleased with how supporters managed to use the station earlier this month but admitted further challenges now lay ahead.
He said: “I was relieved that it went as well as it did but the real test is on a football match and that’s going to be on a Sunday, and Sundays, as you know, are usually half hourly services.
"If people have a look at what happened on Northern where drivers were asked to work on a Sunday and the chaos that ensued, what we’ve got is a workforce with the goodwill to be working on a Sunday and put those extra services on forever for fans.
Steve Rotheram at the new 'fan zone' at Sandhills Train Station
Steve Rotheram at the new 'fan zone' at Sandhills Train Station
“Then on the Wednesday, you’ve got a cup game and so we’ve got to repeat it straight away. I think this is the real test, this next week will show whether some of those things that we’ve put in place really start to pay dividends.”
Suzanne Grant, deputy managing director of Merseyrail, said: “As excitement grows amongst Everton fans about the start of the new season, our teams have worked hard to put in place extra services and support to make matchday travel as smooth and safe as possible.
"We’re asking fans to help us to help them, by planning ahead, allowing extra time for their journeys, and following advice from our team who are there to help keep everyone safe.”
Liverpool Council is also urging fans attending the match to consider ditching the car and opt to use public transport.
Cllr Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool Council, said: “We’ve worked closely with Everton FC and local partners to ensure matchday travel is safe, efficient, and respectful of our communities.
“We urge all fans who are able to leave the car at home and embrace public transport or active travel options. It will be a busy day for our public transport services so give yourself a little extra time to get to there.
“It’s a fabulous stadium and a wonderful addition to the city’s waterfront. The game itself is sure to be a special occasion and one for all Everton fans to savour.
“The atmosphere will be incredible so let’s kick off the season sustainably – leave the car, take the train, bus, bike or ferry, and be part of a better matchday experience.”