Everton fans will be able to travel to Bramley-Moore on the Mersey
Around 25,000 fans are expected to attend the second event at Bramley-Moore Dock later this month
Extra train and bus services are to be put on for the second test event at Everton’s new stadium as well as a special ferry for matchgoing fans. Around 25,000 fans are expected at the under-21 friendly match on Sunday March 23 as part of preparations for the new 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of its full opening later this year.
After 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. Plans include a special 5pm direct Mersey Ferries sailing between the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal at Liverpool’s Pier Head and Seacombe – a service which could become a regular matchday feature if passenger numbers are high enough.
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. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said changes had been made based on fan feedback to deliver “the best matchday experience possible”.
Ahead of the game on March 23, which kicks off at 2pm, Sunday rail services are to be increased before and after the event, with Merseyrail trains running every 15 minutes – instead of the normal 30 minutes – on the Hunts Cross, Southport and Ormskirk branches of the Northern Line, with eight car trains operating where possible. Services on the Wirral Line will run to a normal Sunday timetable.
As well as commercial bus services, an increased number of shuttle buses will operate ahead of and following the event – both from Liverpool city centre and Bootle bus station – with park and ride options available at both locations. The new stadium is also easily accessible on foot from Liverpool city centre. Fans are being asked to plan their journeys and think about the best mode of travel for them.
Mr Rotheram said: “Everton’s new stadium is a massive moment – not just for the club, but for the regeneration of North Liverpool. We want to make sure fans can get to and from matches easily, safely, and sustainably, while keeping disruption to local residents to a minimum.
“That’s why we’re working closely with Everton, transport operators, the council, and, most importantly, supporters themselves, to make sure we get this right. The test events are a key part of that – helping us see what works, what doesn’t, and what needs improving before the first league game in August.
“We’ve already made changes based on fan feedback, including putting on additional transport services, and we’ll keep listening. This is about making sure we get the best matchday experience possible – not just for Evertonians, but for the whole city region.”
Mersey Ferries will operate a Sunday timetable, starting at 10am from Pier Head, then 10.20am at Seacombe until the last sailing at 4pm. The stadium is a 30 mins walk from the Pier Head.
A special service at 5pm from Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal at Liverpool Pier Head to Seacombe will be laid on for match goers who wish to use the Ferry and walk to and from the stadium. If used frequently enough this could be a new service to serve future match events at the new stadium.
Colin Chong, Everton interim chief executive and chief stadium development officer, added: “All parties are united and working together, in consultation with supporters, to ensure the matchday and non-matchday experience at Everton Stadium is the best it can be. That starts with travel to and from the stadium and an area of the city that is set for huge regeneration in the decades ahead.
“Our test events are designed to stress test the stadium and also understand supporter behaviours in terms of how they reach the stadium. We have taken a lot from the first event and I have no doubt we will learn even more later this month when we open our doors to almost two-thirds as many Evertonians for the second test event.
“The importance of travel to supporters, especially those with accessibility needs, is not lost on anyone. We have already taken on board fan feedback from that event and, alongside our colleagues from the local council, combined authority and transport authorities, have committed to continue open dialogue and to enhance communication around transport as we welcome more and more people.”
