Sandhills station

davek said:
It's always some other organisation's fault. They're always in charge and his office cant effect matters.

Mr Rotheram said he couldn’t “see how anybody can refute the evidence that’s being presented” and not act. He admitted there had been communication issues with Merseyrail and highlighted how the rail infrastructure itself is in the purview of Network Rail.
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It's money for old rope for him - a sinecure for as long as he wants.
 


Amw79 said:
Was a mess Merseyrail from town. The Aintree trains kept running, but it was chaos getting to Kirkdale. Everyone had to pile off at Sandhills and walk from there. Nice day for it like, but our trains are a shambles.
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The queue for the ticket office at Kirkdale was ludicrous, even after the initial rush had disappeared, and there were a few cancellations to add to the calamity.
 
RomanReigns said:
Merseyfail strike again today on grand national weekend with signalling issues

Train im on now is 4 carriages and packed already by the team it reaches crosby

How are we meant to have any faith on the trains running smoothly on a match day when they can’t even get it right for the grand national
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Son was on that route. Said it resembled japan with passengers being pushed on.
Not good enough
 
Never fear, super-rail-track repair man is here....






Mayor-Battery-Unit.jpg
 

Tom Hughes said:
Colin Chong said the 2nd event was a "resounding success".... the ongoing testing of the whole matchday experience, including transport. I would say that represents a pretty united front (at least publically). The only way to discern any discontent is to have all parties represented in these radio debates..... and wait to see the resultant blame game, if it exists. At present it's all a case of needing some "fine tuning" as far as they're all concerned.

As with the transport plan for desperation Kirkby, the local council can mark their own homework, especially if they think no-one else is going to contest it.... we have no idea what transport negotiations took place in the process or in the Working Group. We ONLY have the final plan (No ifs, buts, maybes nor conjecture). That is the only document in black and white. The club conducted all of its own surveys during 2 consultation processes, to enable them to predict methods of travel of their fanbase. We were all asked about how we go to GP and how we would be going to BMD, with the club affirming that they would require a modal shift equating to at least a reversal of the 60:40 private/public ratio at GP. Armed with all that data/information, their own transport consultants put their transport plan together. That is what has been implimented..... which bit did you not know about? Which bit has the council reneged on?

I, and many others have been saying for years that it's nowhere near good enough, and that a large proportion of the fans will have to walk 30mins or more (the plan itself says so too). Having asked that question directly at 2 shareholders meetings with the club, I can tell you that in the club's view, their transport plan is all acceptable.

As yet, we have no idea if their are any hidden clauses/agreements restricting capacity if certain modal shift or safety criteria aren't met.... just as we didn't with Kirkby, till the public inquiry. We have no idea if there are agreements for funding of further infrastructure if safety certificates aren't granted (by the council!). Of course the major difference here, is that the entire public transport capacity of the whole city region is "only" a 30 min walk away. So both parties have been able to lean heavily on that. Great transport? No! Acceptable transport...? They both appear to think so. Angst? At least 3 yrs too late!!
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I complained to The Mayor and got this back - it's long, but it covers a few aspects

Dear degsy
Thank you for your recent email regarding match day travel to and from Everton FC’s new stadium. I will split my response into two parts – a general overview of the transport plan for Bramley Moore – and then the second test event that took place on Sunday 23 March.
The Transport Plan
The completion of the new stadium at Bramley Moore stadium represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the regeneration of the whole North Liverpool-South Sefton corridor. It can be the catalyst for the growth of a new wave of housing, businesses and economic development in the years ahead. Recognising this early on, in September 2021 myself and the leaders of the six local authorities in the Liverpool City Region approved a £15m grant towards the stadium project. You can read more about the public decision that was made at the time here. Without the commitment of public funding early on, it is not clear that the project would have progressed to where it is today.
Whilst the stadium has been under construction, a transport working group of industry experts, chaired by Everton Football Club, has met regularly to map out transport solutions for fans who will be attending the game when the stadium officially opens. The group has recognised that there will be several modes by which fans will wish to travel to the stadium and the plan that has been put in place reflects that.
It is important to bear in mind that there has never been a promise of a new station or tram link to the stadium since construction of the stadium began. This would be extremely technically challenging, significantly disruptive and costs would be prohibitive due to the existing rail line configuration in and out Moorfields station, which is served by a single bore tunnel for services towards the city centre.
The closest rail link to the new ground is, of course, at Sandhills station. Sandhills is an elevated station on a viaduct with a platform that sits as an island, constrained by two tracks on either side. The industrialisation of the surrounding area made/makes a complete remodelling of the station an unrealistic proposition at present given the limited benefits beyond current matchday demand.
Working with our rail operator Merseyrail, we have opened the first part of a queuing system (‘fan management zone’) that is designed to prevent overcrowding on the platform, making sure fans can travel to and from large events at Everton’s new home safely and efficiently.
The system in place is similar to the tried-and-tested arrangements deployed at Aintree station during the Grand National – which has been designed to avoid congestion and confusion, making it clear where fans need to queue for the specific line they want to use. Aintree only uses a single line (Ormskirk services) hence why the frequency can be enhanced.
The alternative (ie no queuing system) would create confusion and could potentially lead to dangerous overcrowding on the platform. With the safety of fans being our number one priority, all of our partners have been involved in developing the transport plan. Additional features such as a new footbridge will be constructed to enable fans to access the platform at Sandhills using more than just the current single staircase. Merseyrail have committed that this new access point will be in place for the start of the 2025/2026 football season.
The frequency of rail services is restricted by the capacity of the signalling system which is operated by Network Rail. The station at Sandhills services five lines (Heabolt Lane/ Ormskirk/ Southport/ Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross). We are continuing to press for further upgrades to allow a greater volume of rail traffic, but signalling is not the responsibility of the CA as it falls under a nationally controlled body.
On buses - Stagecoach and Arriva are already registered to operate fast, frequent, non-stop shuttle buses on match and event days, between the City Centre and Bramley Moore stadium, as well as between Bootle Town Centre (bus station) and the new stadium. All bus services will have dedicated bus stops on Great Howard Street for the ground. Additionally, a dedicated bus link for fans with reduced mobility will operate between the stadium and Sandhills station on match days.
On non-match days, an appropriate bus link is planned between the city centre, the stadium, and Sandhills station, supported by Everton FC, as part of the transport provisions for the planned new housing at Liverpool Waters that will be constructed. New taxi ranks are confirmed as an option for those who want to travel by cab.
For those who prefer to walk, the stadium planning approval includes provisions to support walking and cycling. Everton FC is working directly with Liverpool City Council to further develop safe and convenient walking routes to and from the stadium. These routes will be well-signposted and designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all pedestrians, including those with disabilities or additional needs. I am informed that issues that arose after the second test event regarding the Bascule Bridge on Regent Road are a priority for Liverpool City Council and Everton Football Club.
I appreciate that some of the feedback from fans so far is that more should be done to make the fan management zone at Sandhills a more welcoming space. I can confirm that in the coming months there will be further phases of development transforming this area into more vibrant space for match-goers with the installation of new toilets, a fixed stage, food and refreshment areas, and digital screens to enhance the matchday experience.
With Merseyrail’s recommendations, we are also investing in better CCTV, improved lighting, and additional staff support to ensure that everyone - especially those with disabilities or additional needs - feels safe and are assisted.
Many of the concerns that have been brought to my attention relate to parking for those travelling to Bramley Moore by car. The plans for parking fall under the responsibility of the highways department at Liverpool City Council – and not the organisation I lead (the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority). However, I work extremely closely with the Leader of Liverpool City Council who I know has been listening attentively to the feedback that is reaching the council.
The new parking measures, established under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), were subject to public consultation and it’s always been the case that they could be amended based on the feedback received. This allowed the Council to monitor and evaluate the scheme’s effectiveness and modify it if necessary, before making any measures permanent.
Recent amendments to the parking zone include the introduction of new resident parking areas, new taxi ranks, and new match day bus stands. The Council has also invested in new industrial parking zones north and south of Boundary Street. These changes aim to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and enhance safety and journey times to and from the stadium.
However, following the second test event at the waterfront stadium, the Council has decided to suspend certain parking measures primarily around the business areas within the new zone. The temporary cessation of these measures affects the city’s waterfront from its northern extremity by Canada Dock down to the Leeds Street corridor at the city centre boundary, and eastwards across to the Pumpfields district. The ETRO parking zone will continue to be in place within the residential districts, from the Eldonian Village across to Great Homer Street and north to ‘the Shakespeare streets’ in Kirkdale.
Residents who have not yet applied for parking permits are encouraged to do so. These permits are free, and each household is allowed a visitor permit, which is also free.
The council has stated that it is in listening mode and open to making further changes as needed to ensure the best possible outcome for residents and businesses. You can have input your views by taking part in the survey at: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BramleyMooreParking and if you have any further questions, please email: bramleymooredockETRO@liverpool.gov.uk.
Second Test Event – Sunday 23 March
The second test event which took place on 23 March was aimed at further learning from the first test event on Monday 10 February with the stadium welcoming an increased crowd of 25,000. I watched the transport plan unfold in real time from the Transport Control Centre through CCTV and live drone footage.
It is of paramount importance to me as Mayor that we ensure the smooth passage of passengers using our public transport network as far as is reasonably practical. In advance of the event, we worked closely with Everton Football Club, transport operators, our councils – and, most importantly, fan groups – on travel planning.
After the event, I publicly thanked all of the fans who travelled to and from the new Everton Stadium. The region’s transport network carried: 500 on Mersey Ferries, over 2,000 on dedicated shuttle bus services and more than 12,000 by train. Despite the match being played on a Sunday when services are usually half hourly, Merseyrail implemented a special matchday timetable, featuring extra services and eight carriage trains to accommodate extra passengers. Some drivers worked their rest day to accommodate the extra shifts required.
I know that Merseyrail are taking on board the views of passengers regarding bringing some additional services in earlier in the day (prior to kick off) to address the concerns of those that highlighted issues of crowded carriages.
One key takeaway from the event was that many fans (who are able to do so) - chose to walk from the city centre to the stadium, demonstrating the importance of well-planned pedestrian routes. Working with the Club and Liverpool City Council, we are clear in our ambition to see improvements to: signage, lighting and footways, to ensure these routes are safe and convenient for supporters.
Whilst I am the first to acknowledge there were some challenges on the day, particularly around traffic congestion due to the half marathon that also took place on the same Sunday – and a trespasser on the Merseyrail network which temporarily disrupted rail services – there is no doubt this was a marked improvement on the first test event. This position is supported by the Club who have stated publicly that the second test event was a “resounding success”.
The purpose of these test events is to help us see what works, what doesn’t, and what needs improving. Over the coming weeks we’ll keep working with partners to see what we can do to further improve the matchday experience, and listen to fan feedback, so that we can prepare for the first league game of next season.
I want to assure you that all parties are fully committed to continuous improvement of the matchday travel experience to and from Bramley Moore.
These two test events have been crucial in refining the transport plan to date and we will continue to listen to the voices of fans to make further improvements and tweaks wherever possible.
Thank you for writing into me.
Best wishes


Steve Rotheram
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
 

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