Multiple train services have been delayed or cancelled following a week of snow and ice
Passengers at the snow covered Ainsdale Station on January 5. (Pic Andrew Teebay).(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Commuters have said their “patience is running thin” following major disruption on multiple train lines over the past week. It comes as Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram blasted Merseyrail and Network Rail over the chaos passengers have experienced on the network and announced an independent review into the problems.
Snow and ice have been causing havoc for the region’s rail operator since last weekend, when a rare amber warning was in put in place for after heavy snowfall and icy conditions. The adverse weather conditions have continued to cause disruption to travel, including on the roads, train services and flights.
Snow and ice caused even more disruption for the region’s rail operator today (January 9), with the decision taken to suspend all lines this morning, leaving thousands of angry commuters disrupted and delayed. There was further anger when no rail replacement buses were available.
Now Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region has vented his fury at the situation and promised the combined authority he leads will commission a rapid and independent review of what has gone wrong, with Merseyrail, Network Rail and train manufacturer’s Stadler summoned to explain themselves.
Steve Rotheram is furious about the latest Merseyrail chaos (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
In a fiery intervention, a clearly exasperated Mayor Rotheram said: “While the poor weather conditions have caused problems to public transport all over the country, my concern is what happens in the Liverpool City Region. As a country we don’t do ‘bad weather’ well.
“This morning’s severe disruption to Merseyrail services due to cold weather is completely unacceptable. It’s not as if there were 6 foot snow drifts. For thousands of people across our region – myself included – it’s meant delays getting to work, missed hospital appointments, and unnecessary chaos.
“As someone who regularly uses our public transport system to get around, I’ve seen first-hand the frustration that this kind of failure causes. People depend on these services every day, not just to get from A to B, but to keep their lives running smoothly. When the system fails, it’s more than an inconvenience.”
Responding to the Metro Mayor’s tirade, Crazytime wrote: “They couldn’t run a tap. The public have been saying for months the lack of service is unacceptable so Rotherham is only speaking out now. That’s unacceptable. People could lose their jobs, people are late for appointments. Being turfed off a train on a freezing cold day because it’s broken down is no fun. Sort it.”
Another commenter said: “In the days of the much maligned British Rail, de-icing trains would go out before services started in the morning, the permanent way gang would ensure the drains worked. Every time it rains there are no trains to Chester.”
Mr Johnson added: “Steve is amazing for loads of things that he’s done for the city however, the transport and metro title is a poison chalice.. Getting into and out of the city is like a poorly drawn out Escape Room.”
Speakingsense1 said: “The old trains ran fine in colder weather than this. Facts. I used to be on them every day of my life.” Ste7474 commented: “Merseyrail, sort it out! The trains have been unreliable for too long, and these services are too important. Patience is running thin.”
Merseyrail confirmed on Thursday afternoon that its cold weather plan had been activated once again with freezing conditions expected overnight once more.
Taking direct aim at the organisations involved, Mayor Rotheram continued: “Despite repeated assurances from Network Rail who run the signals and tracks – and Merseyrail who run our train fleet – that they had robust winter plans in place, what we’ve seen today paints a very different picture. It’s clear that despite the assurances given, improvements to preparation and communication are needed – and fast.
“The fragmentation of the rail network often results in confusion around who is responsible for what bit of the system. That’s why today I have commissioned an independent and rapid review into this week’s disruption on the Merseyrail network.”
“Let me be clear: this isn’t just about trains not running. It’s about the real-world impact on people’s lives – the stress, the missed opportunities, and the disruption it causes. And while freezing conditions might cause challenges, there’s no excuse for other aspects such as the poor communication passengers have experienced. They deserve clear, timely information, not to be left in the dark.
“Public transport is about people, and it must work for them – no excuses. Our residents deserve a reliable, resilient, and responsive network, and I’ll continue to hold all parties to account until we see real, meaningful improvements. The people of our region deserve better and I won’t rest until we deliver it.”