250 trains cancelled on Wirral

Feb 20 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

MORE than 250 trains on the Wirral line were cancelled or missed stations in two months, the Daily Post can reveal.

The misery being faced each day by commuters has prompted an independent passenger watchdog to hold urgent talks with Merseyrail.

The train company has cancelled or skipped out platforms along the Liverpool to Chester route for more than 12 months.

New figures show more than 250 trains were cancelled or missed stations in an eight week period between November and early January. More up-to-date figures are not yet available.

Over the same period, punctuality and reliability slumped to 81% – almost 12% below the average for the network.

These alarming numbers mean commuters have been left stamping their feet in wintry weather during peak periods.

Passenger Focus’s passenger manager David Sidebottom has become so concerned he met with rail bosses last night.

He said: “Passenger Focus is disappointed to hear reports passengers are experiencing ongoing issues on the Merseyrail service between Liverpool and Chester over recent months.

“Whilst we are not aware of there being any work that would cause significant disruptions to the service, we met with Merseyrail management and will discuss the issue as a matter of urgency.

“Trains arriving on time is a top priority for passengers and if they do experience delays it is vital passengers are proactively informed about the compensation they are owed in these unfortunate circumstances.”

Bart Schmeink, Merseyrail managing director, travels from Bache, Chester, to Liverpool every day and is aware the company “should do better” and is seeking ways of doing that. He said: “As it is the longest route on the network, there is currently little time for recovery if any delays occur.

“If we need to cancel a train or turn a train short of its destination, we do not do this to avoid paying fines, but on the basis of causing inconvenience to as few people as possible.”

The company also points out that although the performance compared to the rest of the network is below par, it stands up to comparison against national indicators. Punctuality and performance across the country stands at about 88%.

A train spokesman said radical change may also be in the pipeline. One such proposal could see trains travel in one direction only during peak times, allowing Merseyrail to offer a 15- minute service at the busiest times.

More long-reaching solutions could be introduced in December. Details on what these changes could include are being kept under wraps at present.

richarddown