Train ticket prices slashed as Merseyrail attempts to win back frustrated passengers
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said the move was an act of goodwill after a rocky start
Train ticket prices are being slashed in north Liverpool as Merseyrail attempts to win back favour among frustrated commuters.
From Saturday, travellers on the Headbolt Lane line will be able to travel for a much reduced return fee on weekends. While the first journey on the £500m fleet last January was highly anticipated, it has been a turbulent time for the trains since they were initially introduced.
Delays, breakdowns and subsequently having to repay frustrated customers have marked the first year of the rollout. Now, Merseyrail has announced its latest offer of goodwill to thank passengers for their patience.
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Through funds recovered by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from train manufacturer Stadler, adults can travel on the line from Headbolt Lane, Kirkby and Fazakerley to Liverpool Central for just £2 on weekends. Children’s fares are to be cut to £1.
After a bumpy first 12 months and in a bid to win back passenger trust, which Mayor Steve Rotheram admitted the operator needed to do, Merseyrail extended an olive branch of a full refund to Railpass holders held up in 2023. Those who bought certain tickets at Headbolt Lane, Kirkby and Fazakerley stations were invited to claim their money back, with more than 700 receiving payment.
The Combined Authority has been working together with Stadler, Merseyrail and Network Rail to improve the availability and performance of the new trains, which have returned to a four trains an hour service on the Headbolt Lane line after nine months. Last week, the line was recorded as performing at 94%.
Mr Rotheram said: “The new Headbolt Lane station is a fantastic new, fully accessible facility delivered by an £80m investment by the Combined Authority. There have been a few teething issues with the new trains serving it, so I wanted to make a gesture of goodwill to thank people for sticking with us.
“While I cannot undo the disruption that passengers have already faced, I hope this gesture demonstrates our appreciation for their patience and understanding. As promised, the performance of the trains has been much better of late and should only continue to improve, offering the world class service local people deserve for years to come.
“I’m really proud of the work I’ve done to improve and expand the local transport network. We’ve frozen bus and rail fares, taken back control of our buses, rolled out the country’s best local trains, and opened two new train stations with four more to follow.
“We are well on the way in our journey to building the most comprehensive integrated transport network anywhere outside of London.”
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