Merseyrail has thanked passengers after successfully transporting thousands of Everton supporters to and from the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock during the second test event, ahead of the venue’s official opening for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The event was supported by carefully coordinated transport plans, including extra services and 8-car trains before and after the match. These enhancements helped manage customer flow, kept queues to a minimum, and ensured safe, efficient journeys.
Despite some disruption caused by busy services on the Hunts Cross line and a trespasser near Seaforth, the overall operation ran smoothly, thanks to a joined-up approach between key partners. These included the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), Merseyrail, Arriva, Stagecoach, Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police, and Everton FC.
Stephen Dodd, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail, said: “We are pleased with how well this test event went, with thousands of customers travelling smoothly and safely via Sandhills station – thank you for following travel advice and for your patience.”
He added that insights from both test events are helping to refine matchday transport plans. Another test event is scheduled for the summer, where extra services and 8-car trains will again be deployed. Merseyrail also confirmed that, given the demand observed on the Hunts Cross line, additional service planning is under review.
With every successful trial, Merseyrail and its partners are fine-tuning operations to ensure a world-class matchday experience when Everton FC officially launches its new home ground in the 2025/26 season.
