Metro Mayor Defends Merseyrail’s Performance Amid Cold Snap

In response to recent performance issues faced by Merseyrail during a cold snap, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has stepped forward to defend the rail service. He commissioned an investigation led by transport expert Vernon Everitt in April to address the challenges affecting the system.

Infrastructure Concerns and Government Responsibility

Rotheram acknowledged that while some enhancements have been made to the railway’s infrastructure, the core issues extend beyond the rail operator’s control. He emphasized, “We’re having to foot the cost because we want the improvements for passengers, but this is something that national infrastructure should be paying for.”

He pointed out that outdated infrastructure, particularly the reliance on analogue signals with modern digital trains, complicates operations. Rotheram criticized past governments for insufficient investment in essential updates for tracks and signals.

Commitment to Improvement

Rotheram expressed his dedication to enhancing the passenger experience on Merseyrail. He noted, “From last year, we’ve improved by more than 50% and we’ll get better and better and better because we’ll learn.” This determination underscores his commitment to making Merseyrail a leading transportation system in the UK.

Performance Objectives

As part of these improvements, Rotheram has set ambitious targets. He aims for a performance rate of 97% for the rail service. Emphasizing his personal connection to the daily commuter experience, he stated that he travels by train “every day.”

Rotheram’s efforts are designed to ensure a more reliable and efficient service for passengers, reinforcing his goal to make Merseyrail the best operating system in the country.