Merseyrail has solidified its reputation as one of the most punctual train operators in the UK by breaking a national performance record.

The Liverpool City Region train operator completed an entire 28-day period between 7th February and 6th March 2021 with 99 per cent of its trains arriving on time or within 5 minutes (Public Performance Measure - PPM) – a first for the UK rail industry.

Despite fewer passengers travelling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Merseyrail has faced a number of challenges over the last 12 months that impact performance including extreme weather conditions in January of this year, making this achievement even more significant.

Zoe Hands, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail, said: “With passenger numbers starting to grow as we emerge from lockdown, our trains have called at stations over 187,000 times during the past month to get key workers and those on essential journeys to where they need to be.

“We’ve long prided ourselves on making sure the Liverpool City Region has the best rail service in Britain and we are almost always on time averaging over 97 per cent punctuality. However, to hit 99 per cent is a staggering and unprecedented achievement and a true testament to the hard work of all our staff.

“If we can achieve this with what is, on average, the oldest fleet of passenger trains of an UK operator, imagine the possibilities when we begin to roll-out the brand-new fleet of trains.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and our service partners at Stadler, Network Rail, British Transport Police and Carlisle, without whom these kinds of achievements would not be possible.

“To our passengers I would like to say that we are looking forward to welcoming you all back and we are ready when you are with cleaner, more reliable and punctual trains than ever before.”

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “Passengers deserve punctual and reliable services, and this has never been truer, and I am pleased that Merseyrail has been able to consistently maintain these high standards particularly during these challenging times.

"This result gives us great confidence to continue delivering services for key workers and more passengers in the coming months should national lockdown restriction continue to ease and play a role in supporting the wider economic recovery of the city region.”

Phil James, North West Route Director at Network Rail, said: “After a difficult winter, I’m proud of how our teams and industry partners responded, which resulted in record breaking performance for passengers on the Merseyrail network.

“As we prepare to welcome more passengers back to the railway in the coming months, we will continue working side-by-side with Merseyrail to make sure that we continue to put passengers first and deliver a punctual and reliable train service.”

I can't wait to see the improved performance of the new trains.

The Southport to Liverpool trains are always punctual,because the barriers are always closed to traffic,for 20+minutes in every hour the trains are running

Originally Posted by SteveandLois

The Southport to Liverpool trains are always punctual,because the barriers are always closed to traffic,for 20+minutes in every hour the trains are running

So what are you suggesting? Stop closing the barriers when a train is due?
Genius.

Originally Posted by donkey22

So what are you suggesting? Stop closing the barriers when a train is due?
Genius.

Or could be to give cars priority......Have trains wait at crossings, until there's a break in traffic?

Originally Posted by The PNP

Or could be to give cars priority......Have trains wait at crossings, until there's a break in traffic?

Damned train lanes, imagine the amount of car parking spaces they’re using up. Rant rant.

Originally Posted by donkey22

So what are you suggesting? Stop closing the barriers when a train is due?
Genius.

Just stating that there are rarely any hold ups on a train line,but the vehicles waiting time at the barriers could be reduced,in some cases having to wait for for the second train to pass,in some cases 2 trains pass when they are down,but the waiting time can be around 4-5 minutes.

Instead of moaning about the length of time the barriers are down, plan your route to avoid them as much as possible. Use the bridges over the line, or Crescent Road crossing which is always quicker to open. It may take a little longer in mileage or time, but at least you'll be moving which always feels better than waiting in a line of traffic for the barriers to open.

Alternatively, make yourself aware of the train timetable so you can gauge the time a train might be due, or if you have a smartphone and are NOT driving use www.traksy.uk to view train movements in real-time. In the "Find info about" you'll need to enter Southport or the railway code SOP

Originally Posted by said

I can't wait to see the improved performance of the new trains.

Be a while for those,should have been in last year but training not even started yet. And infrastructure issues still to be sorted. For instance, they use more power than existing units so more sub stations are required to supply juice. Plus 2 units won't fit on the platforms at Southport without fouling the points at the exit,blocking other trains in. This has still to be sorted.

Originally Posted by Red devil

Be a while for those,should have been in last year but training not even started yet. And infrastructure issues still to be sorted. For instance, they use more power than existing units so more sub stations are required to supply juice. Plus 2 units won't fit on the platforms at Southport without fouling the points at the exit,blocking other trains in. This has still to be sorted.

Track and platform is being extended towards M&S and the ticket barriers moved at right angles to where they are now. I believe the MtoGo shop is going.

Originally Posted by libraryguy

Track and platform is being extended towards M&S and the ticket barriers moved at right angles to where they are now. I believe the MtoGo shop is going.

Yes I'd heard that but knowing how Network Rail and its contractors shape up this will be a long time in coming to fruition.
They knew the length of these units when they bought them,they also knew the length of the platforms. Was the cost of a tape measure too much?