11-03-2025
Merseyrail hits back after three stations on network named and shamed
Merseyrail has hit back after three stations on its network were named amongst the worst for reliability of services in the country as part of a national analysis.
Research by the PA News Agency calculated the train stations in England with the worst reliability of services in the four weeks to February 1. Of the 77 stations in the country with more than 10,000 scheduled services in that period, three were on the Merseyrail network.
The analysis found that Ealing Broadway in West London was the major station with the worst reliability of services in the four week period, with the equivalent of 7.9% of services cancelled. The station is used by Great Western Railway and Elizabeth Line trains. Elizabeth Line stations made up seven of the 10 worst for cancellations, including Bond Street (7.4%), Farringdon (6.5%) and Paddington (5.6%).
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The other three stations are all on Merseyside's Merseyrail network, which has suffered problems with trains being unable to draw electricity from the third rail during wintry weather. The three stations were Liverpool Central (5.8%), Moorfields (5.7%) and Liverpool James Street (5.6%).
Merseyrail has now hit back at the PA analysis, which has been featured in several national publications, with the rail operator describing the figures as 'heavily distorted' by a period of poor weather in January, which caused a majority of the cancellations reported on its network.
Greg Suligowski, head of communications at Merseyrail said: 'The latest figures released by the Office of Rail and Road are heavily distorted by an unusually prolonged period of poor weather from January 5-9, which caused 65% of the cancellations reported.'
'The data released does not provide context, which if it did, would make clear that the average number of cancelled trains at Liverpool Central, Moorfields and James Street stations are usually half that of the national average of 5%. Merseyrail will continue to work with Network Rail and Stadler to provide the most reliable rail service possible to the people of the Liverpool City Region'.
The period of bad weather in January led to a major incident on the Merseyrail network including a two hour period in which all services on the network were cancelled. The huge disruption led to Liverpool City Region Mayor hauling bosses from Merseyrail and Network Rail before a committee and launching a review of what happened.
Merseyrail's managing director told the committee that the operator's winter weather plan had 'clearly failed', while Network Rail boss Phil James said he was 'truly sorry' to those who had been stranded or caught up in the disruption.
In better news for Merseyrail, the operator has been recognised as the best-performing regional railway, winning the Golden Whistle Award for punctuality and operational excellence for the seventh year in a row.
Merseyrail's Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Dodd, expressed his pride in the achievement: 'Winning the Golden Whistle Award for the seventh consecutive year is a huge honour and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Providing a reliable and punctual service is at the heart of what we do, and this recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering the best possible experience for our customers.'
