Latest news with #Merseyrail
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Merseyrail tap-and-go ticketing trial set to begin
A new contactless system for purchasing train tickets on the Merseyrail network has taken a "big step forward" as it enters its testing phase, the region's metro mayor has new tap-and-go system was announced in 2024 and was originally intended to be introduced last part of a £10m investment in the network, passengers will be able to use a Metro Card linked to their bank account to make journeys across the Liverpool City Steve Rotheram said the system will guarantee travellers the most economic fare, and remove the need to queue for tickets. "The measure of any 21st century public transport system is how quickly, cheaply and easily it helps passengers get from A to B – and that starts by how people pay for their journey," he said."For too long, passengers in our region have been forced to contend with an outdated, antiquated and fragmented ticketing system that simply doesn't work in their favour."Our plans for a new tap-and-go system will make it easier than ever for passengers, removing unnecessary queues and ensuring they never have to pay over-the-odds to get about our region." Passengers at Liverpool's Central Station have welcomed the Boyce, who works in a coffee shop near to the station, said the move was "long overdue", an opinion echoed by Merseyrail-user Erin Armitage, who added the new system would be "very useful if it cuts down waiting in a queue for tickets".James Finney, who regularly travels by train, said the current system which requires a printed ticket, can "catch people out" when they are making connections."You expect tap-and-go now, from going to other stations," he said."And trying to get your ticket, sometimes you run out of time because you don't expect to have to queue." The first phase of the launch will see 50 volunteers test the system using a Metro Card on Northern and Wirral the second stage, expected later this year, rail users will be able to use bank cards and smart devices at the Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "Moving to this testing stage is a big step forward towards rolling out this technology which will unlock so many benefits for our region - removing the need for unnecessary queues, ensuring that no one spends more than they need to get around our region – and protecting revenue streams for further investment in improvements." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
21-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Could Liverpool city centre finally get a Baltic railway station?
It is almost 110 years since the last service ran through the former Liverpool St James' railway station. But it may not be long before the city can mark the start of a new chapter for the long-abandoned site in what is now known as the Baltic Triangle area of the to resurrect a rail station has been around for more than a decade, with the reopening seen as vital to the success of the Baltic Triangle's development in Tuesday, Liverpool Council's planning committee will debate plans that would deliver a £100m new station providing about 17,000 journeys a day and for the first time in more than a century, the station could return - under a new name. Where was it? The former St James' stop sits between Brunswick and Liverpool Central. Now the area is known as the Baltic Triangle - a former industrial area around Liverpool's Jamaica Street, which is now home to independent creative and digital businesses. Why did it close? The original station opened in 1874 and was named after a nearby parish closed during the World War One as a cost-cutting measure but never reopened. Resurrection plans get on track In March 2014, Merseytravel agreed to collaborate with Liverpool Vision to investigate the cost and projected usage of reopening the January 2015, Merseytravel confirmed plans to conduct a study on the station's potential reopening during the 2015–16 financial year with it marked as a "top rail project" by Merseyrail a year later. There had been hopes the station could open as early as this year when formal plans for the revived stop were reignited in also included settling on a name for the site. Given the existing James Street station, city region leaders wanted to avoid confusing passengers and set about a public vote and Liverpool Baltic was the overwhelming winner. Who will the new station serve? Subject to the planning committee's approval after a site visit next week, the station will serve Merseyrail's Northern Line. The proposed new station is part of Metro Mayor Rotheram's Merseyrail for All commitment to reach communities currently not connected to the local rail network by utilising the region's new pioneering battery powered technology, which has made it possible to extend the lines beyond current boundaries. What can passengers expect? The station will include passenger toilets, a cycle hub, step-free access to and between both platforms and a passenger drop-off area documents revealed how the station could comprise an overground single-storey building with a tall wraparound parapet, a mezzanine level, new widened underground platforms and four lift/emergency exit station's ticket lobby and staff facilities would be located at ground floor level. Where has the cash come from? The £96m required for the station came from the £710m City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS), dedicated to major transport projects across the city region. The construction phase is projected to generate around 330 jobs at a regional level with £155m in benefits over a 60-year period upon completion. Have there been any issues with the plans? The main station building will be situated on a triangular plot bordered by Stanhope Street to the south, Ashwell Street to the east and north, and the Merseyrail Northern railway line cutting to the west.A long-standing garage on Ashwell Street has warned of the detrimental effects such a development could garage, started by Mr Garrett's father in 1988, sits in an area that would become the station building and could potentially cut off vital road access for the the station bid was announced, Mr Rotheram said the new station would connect communities to jobs. Mr Garrett told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he had lost members of his team because of fears they would be out of work as a Garrett said should no solution be found "it would appear that the nuclear option" to relocate from the Baltic "may be the only way forward". A Liverpool Council spokesperson said the application would consider the comments received regarding the station build while a representative for the LCRCA said they had taken into account feedback received from residents and businesses, including Mr Garrett and Ashwell Motors when designing the scheme. When is it set to open? The Metro Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said his goal would be to deliver the station by November, Mr Rotheram said it was more likely to be towards the end of 2027 that people were able to use the new station. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merseyrail strike called off last-minute after improved pay offer
Merseyrail cleaners have suspended their planned strike action after receiving an improved pay offer. Outsourced cleaners working on the rail service had announced their plans to walk out last month following a pay dispute with Churchill Services. The 48-hour strike was due to begin on Friday, April 4, as trade union RMT said staff had been left with "no other option". The improved offer will now be put to a referendum which will close on April 10, and the union is "strongly recommending" members to accept. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey, congratulating outsourced members at Merseyrail for standing firm in their campaign for better pay terms and conditions, said: 'This is a great victory for some of our lowest paid workers with an improved offer of nearly seven per cent, 20 days of sick pay and improved overtime rates. READ MORE: Jet2 says do this 'at least 12 hours before your flight' READ MORE: Rise in toll fees on Mersey bridges branded 'a disgrace' "This win would not have been possible without the strong resolve of our members. It remains our view that these workers should be insourced immediately so they can receive the same terms and conditions as directly employed Merseyrail staff." Churchill Services has been approached for comment. In strikes elsewhere, hundreds of workers at Livv Housing (LH) voted to escalate strike action which could result in six more months of disruption for thousands of tenants. Livv Housing disputes the 'union-busting' claim and said the contractors tasked with delivering some of its services are simply part of its ongoing 'delivery model'. Staff at the Knowsley-based housing association have been locked in a dispute with their employer for months and voted in favour of industrial action over a proposed pay offer last summer. This weekend is due to be busy across the Merseyrail network with tens of thousands of people expected to descend on Merseyside for the Grand National festival. Tens of thousands of people are expected to use the rail network throughout this weekend, with Merseyrail setting up services to get them from the heart of town out to the course on time and back again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Trains on the Northern line are also running on a slightly amended schedule from April 3 to 5. Changes are also being made to services around Aughton Park, Town Green, Ormskirk and Hunts Cross. As always, Merseyrail staff will be handing out their famous flip-flops to anyone with sore feet after a long day at the races. A seven-and-a-half-minute service will operate between Aintree and Liverpool Central/Moorfields from 10am to 1pm before the event begins and recommencing from 4.30pm to 8pm after last races. To allow the Grand National timetable to operate, Aughton Park and Town Green stations will have a 30-minute service from Thursday to Saturday. Direct services will not run between Ormskirk and Hunts Cross throughout the event days. Customers travelling between the stations are advised to change trains at Moorfields. During the period when seven-and-a-half minute services run in the morning and evening, services on the Headbolt Lane line will start and end at Sandhills. Customers for Moorfields or Liverpool Central, or those making the return journey to Rice Lane, Fazakerley, Kirkby, or Headbolt Lane are advised to use Southport or Ormskirk services and change at Sandhills during these times. Amendments will be made for Southport and Hunts Cross passengers. Customers travelling to the races from any Wirral line stations are advised to change at Moorfields for an Aintree-bound train. Customers can find the latest departure times by using the journey planner on the Merseyrail website or mobile app. Alternatively, they can speak to a staff member at their local staffed station for assistance. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @ - official Liverpool ECHO accounts - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
BBC News
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Grand National 2025: Aintree road closures and public transport
The Grand National festival will once again showcase three days of racing at Aintree from 3–5 April 2025 with the world's most well-known steeple chase taking place at 16:00 BST on the year's race was won by bookies' favourite I Am Maximus, and more than 150,000 people are expected to attend the racecourse has hosted the festival since 1839. How do I get there? Aintree Racecourse is located on the A59, one mile from the M57 and M58, which link the M62 and M6. Follow the A59 to Liverpool and the yellow/tourism signs as you approach the racecourse for routes to the car parks - which must be booked in are advised to plan ahead, use public transport where possible and leave plenty of time. How can I get there by rail? Merseyrail will operate a service between Liverpool city centre and Aintree stations on the Merseyrail Northern Line before and after the seven-and-a-half-minute service will run between Aintree and Liverpool Central/Moorfields stations at the following times:Liverpool city centre to Aintree, from approximately 10:00 – 13:00Aintree to Liverpool city centre, from approximately 16:30 – 20:30To accommodate the more frequent services between Liverpool city centre and Aintree there will be reduced services to some stations on the Ormskirk branch of the Northern Line and a slightly amended 15-minute timetable on the Southport branch of the Northern the Headbolt Lane branch of the Northern Line, services between 11:00 and 14:00, and then between 17:00 and 21:00 will terminate at Sandhills with passengers having to change trains to complete their journeys from Wirral Line will operate a normal timetable during the festival. Passengers travelling to the festival from any Wirral line stations are advised to change at Moorfields for an Aintree-bound train. How can I get there by bus? The 300, 310 & 345 services run regularly between Queen Square bus station and the Aintree area. Stagecoach will be operating a regular shuttle bus service from Liverpool city centre to Aintree Racecourse on all three days of the buses will depart Elliot Street [Stop GE].Return shuttles will depart from Park Lane (opposite Aintree rail station) - return trips will be running on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April only. Which roads are closed? A number of diversions and traffic management measures will be in place including temporary closures. Heavy traffic is expected on the Road, as well as Park Lane between Bridle Road and Ormskirk Road, will be closed between 15:00 and 21:00 on all three festival days. Melling Road will be closed at the junction of Seeds Lane to Aintree Lane. What are the police saying? Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton from Merseyside Police said: "It's going to be busy, it's the biggest horse race in the world, so plan properly before and after. "I would urge anyone to use public transport."Give yourself extra time to travel and look after your property, and if you see anything suspicious, speak to an officer." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
People 'awestruck' and 'scared' after swirling lights spotted in sky
People were "awestruck" and "scared" after spotting swirling lights in the sky across the UK. The phenomenon was witnessed by countless people across Merseyside and beyond at around 8pm on Monday, March 24. In footage sent to the ECHO, the light appears to spin as it moves across the sky. One woman in Halewood took a video after witnessing the lights and sent it to the ECHO. She said the strange lights looked like a "white swirling galaxy floating" above her house. She added the lights "moved slowly from the north to the south across the sky. Something came off it and shot across the sky like a shooting star. Mad. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has seen it. My son's friend just messaged to say he was watching it in the sky too but he lives in Cheltenham." READ MORE: Merseyrail live updates as trains cancelled and services altered READ MORE: Queens Drive flyover blocked after reports of man on bridge The phenomenon is thought to have been caused by a Space X rocket which launched in the US on Monday and was generated by extra fuel that was released from the SpaceX rocket, around three hours earlier. Thousands of people commented on the ECHO's Facebook page following the news. Writing on the ECHO's Facebook page, Sandra Belchambers said: "I was out walking my dogs and saw this. I'm so glad other folk saw it as I seriously thought I was losing my marbles." Paul Shields said: "Witnessed it myself at approximately 8pm tonight. I took a video of it but my camera didn't do what I saw any justice, saw it many times on TV etc. But I was totally awe struck, and quite scared at the same time, unbelievable whatever it is/was." Tom Winters added: "I saw it from south Derbyshire about 8pm. It did look mad, there were other balls of light moving around it for a few minutes. It was cool to see whatever it was." Hundreds of people shared photos of the lights which were spotted across Merseyside, the UK and across Europe, including Poland, Hungary and many other places. On social media, one user described the phenomenon as "beautiful". They said: "This was in space, not in earth's atmosphere. Very possibly an explosion of some space equipment, large one. I wish this was a supernova but I doubt that, it was beautiful." Another simply said: "Aliens." Another said: "Wasn't it brilliant! So fascinating to watch." Another user added: "Did anyone else see that thing in the sky? Birkenhead north. It looked like a star, with smoke round it. Then it vanished. Then appeared again with lights and smoke round it. It looked like it was spinning. So weird." For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter. Sign up to our breaking news newsletter here. Follow us on X @LivECHONews or on Bluesky @ - official Liverpool ECHO accounts - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook/theliverpoolecho - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
