Latest news with #Merseyrail
Metro
08-07-2025
- Metro
Passengers plunged into 'pitch black' darkness after train gets stuck in tunnel
Train passengers were stuck in darkness for two hours in a tunnel after a power supply problem led to multiple cancellations on the network. A Merseyrail train suddenly lost power around 6 pm yesterday in a tunnel between St Michael's and Hunts Cross. Passenger Tom, 26, told the ECHO he was on his way to a flat viewing and was expecting to get off at the next station when his carriage suddenly stalled. He said: 'The Merseyrail train was stuck for two hours in the tunnel. The power went off, the lights went off, and then the woman working on the train said, 'Don't worry, everyone, it's fine, we're going to be fine'. The train driver opened the door, and Michael said he and the other passengers could see lights at the end of the tunnel. They were sitting in complete darkness for two hours before another train towed them off to Brunswick, where they got off around 8 pm. The ECHO understands the driver of the train was in contact with the control room through a radio system while they waited for the problem to be resolved. Tom added: 'Because we stopped in the tunnel, it was pitch black, you couldn't see anything. It couldn't have stopped anywhere worse, it was so dark – it was like something out of a movie. 'People started getting really hot, needing water, needing something to eat. The driver kept telling people not to worry and apologising.' Network Rail – the infrastructure manager of most of the railway network across the country – is responsible for the power supply on the network. In a statement on X at 9 pm on Monday, Merseyrail said: 'Services on the line are returning, subject to delays and short notice cancellations until a normal working timetable is restored.' The incident came just days after passengers on the Eurostar were stuck on the tracks for nine hours after their train lost power. Angry passengers took to social media, claiming they were left without working toilets on the stifling trains with no airflow. More Trending A passenger who was trapped on the Eurostar tracks near Guines, who did not want to be named, told Metro: 'We've been here for about four hours now. They said both of the engines are out of service and we need a new train to take us. 'Conditions aren't great – paramedics are on board and triaging people. There are no toilets. No AC. No water. Zero communication from staff on board. None. The only info we get is from Twitter.' Eventually, passengers were told to disembark outside of Calais and wait for a replacement train service. Eurostar claimed the train arrived in St Pancras International 50 minutes later – meaning the usual two-hour journey clocked in at more than 11 hours. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Perverts who live streamed sex attack on teen girl in van walks free from court MORE: Woman, 44, stabbed to death inside shop on busy main road MORE: Sponsorships cut, safe spaces lost: The quiet collapse of UK Prides
BBC News
08-07-2025
- BBC News
Mersey ferries suspended due to technical fault
All Mersey ferries have been suspended due to a technical Travel's website said its teams were "working hard" to resume normal said in the meantime cross river tickets can be used on Merseyrail between James Street and Hamilton Travel said there were no bus replacements in place during commuter service and advised further updates would follow. 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.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Day in a seaside town was perfect except for one thing
There's something quintessentially British about a day at the seaside. No British summer feels complete without a jaunt to the seaside. The weather might not always cooperate and the sea isn't exactly Mediterranean-warm, but our coastline possesses a unique charm that you simply won't find in Spain, Greece, or Turkey. After all, seaside trips are the original holiday destination – the Victorians were enjoying summer breaks on the coast long before we even contemplated jetting off abroad. There's nothing quite like tucking into fish and chips by the sea, strolling along the beach, and spending a few pennies in the arcades. It gives you that holiday vibe without needing to step onto a plane. In an era when we're all mindful of our spending, a day trip to the coast can offer an affordable escape. So, as the mercury rose across the nation, I decided to spend the day in Southport, hopping on the direct train from Manchester Victoria. With single fares starting at just £3.10 and a journey time of an hour and 15 minutes, it's a wallet-friendly day out option for anyone this summer. Here's a glimpse into my day. Visit a quirky museum My day began on a slightly bumpy note due to an engine fault on the train, which added an extra 20 minutes to my journey. Fortunately, the lovely views of the passing Lancashire countryside and the cool breeze from the open windows more than made up for it. Upon reaching Southport station (and musing over whether Merseyrail and the Bee Network use the same paint supplier), I made my way to my first stop, which was quite an unexpected one. The British Lawnmower Museum, a peculiar attraction dedicated to all things lawnmower, is not something you'd typically associate with a seaside town. Yet, it's tucked away from the main town centre. I stumbled upon it while planning my day out and, seeing the numerous five-star reviews, I knew I had to check it out. The museum can be accessed through Stanley's Security, a hardware shop on Shakespeare Street. Entry costs £3, and the museum spans several rooms; a large L-shaped space on the ground floor, three rooms on the first floor, and exhibits on the landing. While I don't have a particular interest in lawnmowers, I was genuinely impressed by the museum's collection. Each room was filled with dozens of lawnmowers of all shapes and sizes, spanning various decades, from the earliest models to solar-powered robot cutters. Not into machinery or gardening? If pop culture is more your cup of tea, the museum houses lawnmowers that once belonged to a host of celebrities, including Paul O'Grady, King (then Prince) Charles and Princess Diana, Brian May, Hilda Ogden, and even hangman Albert Pierrepoint. Several items in its collection have featured in films and TV shows, including Downton Abbey. It's more than just a museum dedicated to lawn mowers; it's a reflection of our evolving social history and our engineering triumphs. Plus, it's delightfully surreal in a quintessentially British way. Time for a chippy lunch Emerging from the verdant depths of the British Lawnmower Museum with a rumbling stomach, I knew that fish and chips were on the cards. Being by the seaside, I was spoilt for choice, so I opted for a cod and chips (£9.50) from The Sandgrounder on Nevill Street. With my takeaway in hand, I crossed over to King's Gardens and found a spot by the Marine Lake. It wasn't quite the sea view I had envisioned to accompany my lunch (more on that later), but it was still waterside. Under the watchful eye of a peckish seagull, I dug into my meal, occasionally snapping the lid of the box shut to safeguard my lunch. The fish and chips were spot on: the batter was light and crispy, the fish beautifully flaky, and the chips cooked to perfection. Even the balance of salt and vinegar was just right. I savoured every mouthful and can confidently say the seagull didn't get a crumb. Take a leisurely walk through stunning gardens Like any self-respecting traditional seaside town, Southport boasts many features that hark back to its Victorian tourism heyday. Among these are the stunning Kings Gardens, which centre around the vast marine lake. Feeling the need for a stroll after lunch, I meandered through the gardens, which stretch over 17 acres along the promenade. The place is brimming with Victorian splendour, featuring ornate Grade II-listed shelters and a stunning Venetian Bridge spanning the lake. I strolled past a rather large crazy golf course, which was surprisingly bustling even though it was a Monday. Unfortunately, the pedalos were not in operation during my visit. There was a sizeable playground for children, and I also noticed a model railway village - sadly closed - but I would be amazed if it was anything like the one I visited in Blackpool. Situated on the edge of the gardens is the Marine Lake Cafe and Bar, where I paused for an ice cream (£3). It boasts a vast outdoor seating area, which was fairly busy, and there was even live entertainment from a singer, contributing to the holiday vibe as people enjoyed their beers in the sunshine. Head to the beach Now, this is where things take a turn for the worse. Leaving the gardens, I embarked on a quest to see the sea. I crossed Princes Park (essentially a large field), traversed Marine Drive, and prepared myself to see waves lapping against the sand. Well, that's not exactly what I encountered. I was aware that Southport was a tidal beach, but I hadn't realised just how far out the sea retreats - you'd need binoculars to even glimpse the waves. To add insult to injury, Southport's iconic pier was closed for refurbishment, further dampening my spirits. Despite this, the walk alongside the beach was enjoyable, and there was something quite striking about the expansive views across the sand - I could even spot the rollercoasters of Blackpool in the distance. However, it didn't quite hit the mark for me as a classic seaside experience. Try your luck at the arcades Feeling a bit deflated, I decided to lift my spirits by gambling away a quid's worth of 2p coins. A trip to an arcade is a fundamental part of any seaside day out, and Southport boasts a massive one at the start of the pier, Silcock's Funland. It's been ages since I've used a 2p slot machine and I was slightly disappointed to discover they no longer have the prizes in the machines themselves. Instead, you have to keep playing for the machine to spit out a long string of tickets which you can exchange at the prize booth. It doesn't quite offer the same excitement as trying to knock off a keyring from its precarious 2p perch, but still, it was satisfying to see the long stream of tickets produced by my machine. This feeling was short-lived though when I discovered my tickets amounted to 10 points, which earned me the rather paltry prize of two Maoam sweets. Still, there's always next time. The beach may not have lived up to expectations, but everything else about Southport did. It felt like a nostalgic day at the seaside and reminded me of childhood trips to the coast - not bad at all for a £3 train ticket.
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Everton: Extra train capacity promised for new stadium curtain-raiser
There will be extra train capacity in place to cope with increased demand when Everton play their first home game of the season at their new stadium, the Liverpool City Region mayor has Blues face Brighton & Hove Albion on 23 August at the Hills Dickinson Stadium, the same weekend as the city hosts International Beatles Week with gigs planned for The Pier Head just a mile Rotheram has promised to double capacity on some Merseyrail services after facing criticism after a test event in March saw a high level of said he would "squeeze every single ounce out of the capacity in the network we've got". After the test event fans complained of some Merseyrail services being "awful", with reports of staff having to tell some passengers to get off before the trains could leave. There were also large crowds on the relatively small platform at Sandhills station, which some people said created a "dangerous situation"."There were problems with people hours before trying to get into town and we only had four carriage trains on," Mr Rotheram said."So there will be eight carriages from an earlier start."He also said he hoped to encourage more people to walk from the city centre or from other nearby Merseyrail stations, adding that over time he expected fans to develop their own routine."We need to use Bank Hall more, we need to use James St more and potentially even Moorfields more," he said."We are hoping that as people find their own pattern of behaviour, because that's what happens with football fans, that they will perhaps come into town find a pub that they want, and then people will take their own time and get there in plenty of time for the kick-off."He said a fan management zone near to the stadium will also help to cope with increased footfall in the area and would "help to ensure that people can arrive safely and leave in a safe manner". 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.
Glasgow Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
ScotRail scores highly in rail customer satisfaction poll
With an overall satisfaction of 91%, ScotRail is only behind London Underground/Overground and Merseyrail, according to the latest Transport Focus Rail User Survey. The survey, conducted between December 6, 2024, and May 25, 2025, gathered passengers' opinions on various aspects of rail travel, including value for money, punctuality, and cleanliness. Read more: Take a look inside stunning red sandstone property Glasgow school among winners in anti-racism competition Sex attacker with more than 100 convictions tried to rape woman on street Its consistent high performance reflects the hard work of ScotRail staff and their commitment to providing the best possible customer experience. ScotRail ranks particularly high for punctuality and reliability at 87% satisfaction. It also has the best score relating to the level of crowding, at 82%, which suggests customers usually manage to find a seat. Phil Campbell, customer operations director at ScotRail, said: "Everyone at ScotRail works flat out to deliver the service that our customers expect and deserve, so it's great to see such positive feedback from our customers. "With more than nine out of 10 customers satisfied with our service, this is testament to the hard work of our people in delivering a safe, reliable, and green railway. 'We are moving towards a busy summer, with many major events taking place across the country, providing us with an opportunity to deliver millions of journeys with ScotRail.'
