Update on matchday travel for Everton‘s new stadium

The Blues will kick off their new era on Saturday, 23rd of August, against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Transcript

00:00With excitement building ahead of Everton's first Premier League fixture at their brand new stadium on Liverpool's waterfront,

00:08Metro Mercier-Rotherham has offered an update on what fans can expect when it comes to rail travel on match days.

00:15The Blues will kick off their new era on Saturday 23rd of August against Brighton and Hove Albion,

00:21the same side they faced at the start of their final season at Cuddison Park.

00:25The game also coincides with International Beetle Week, meaning thousands more visitors are expected in the city.

00:33Mr Rotherham told BBC Radio Merseyside that planning is underway to ease the pressure on the Merseywell network,

00:39but said it's not as simple as putting on more trains.

00:43He explained that current analogue signalling limits how many trains can run safely at once

00:48and upgrading to digital systems is the only long-term solution.

00:52But there is some good news. Extra capacity will be added on the day.

00:56Eight carriage trains will run earlier to avoid dangerous overcrowding like that seen during test events.

01:03Mr Rotherham also encouraged fans to walk from the city centre or use priser stations like Bank Hall and James Street,

01:10saying he expects supporters will soon settle into their own match day routines.

01:14A fan zone near the 52,000-seater Hill Dickinson Stadium will also help manage crowds and ensure safe journeys in and out.

01:23Representatives from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Everton Football Club

01:28have met with fans regarding transport issues ahead of the final test event for the Bramley Moor Dock Stadium on August 9th.

01:36Everton's first game at their new home promises to be a historic moment on the pitch and across Liverpool.

01:42The Bramley Moor Dock