Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has enlisted Vernon Everitt, the esteemed Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, to conduct a thorough review of the rail industry's winter weather planning. This decision follows significant disruptions on the Merseyrail network due to severe weather conditions earlier this month.
Everitt will lead an independent and objective assessment of the Merseyrail network's winter preparations and its response to the snow and freezing temperatures that caused major disruptions on January 9. The review will also examine the broader winter planning processes within the industry and evaluate whether lessons have been learned from past cold snaps.
This announcement coincides with a meeting where representatives from Merseyrail, Network Rail, and train manufacturer Stadler appeared before the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Transport Committee. They discussed the reasons behind the network's shutdown on January 9, which led to extensive delays and cancellations, and outlined the industry's ongoing efforts to prepare for winter conditions.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“The recent disruption on our rail network was completely unacceptable and had a significant impact on our residents who rely on trains to get to work, school and important appointments.
“With the appointment of Vernon Everitt to lead this independent review, we’re taking a thorough, impartial look at how the rail industry plans for and responds to extreme weather."
Vernon brings with him a wealth of experience in the transport sector, and his expertise will be invaluable in ensuring we learn from this and improve our winter preparedness.
“My priority is making sure that passengers in the Liverpool City Region not only have a reliable transport system, but that they receive clear communication from Merseyrail in the event of impacted services.”
Vernon Everitt, who also serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Transport for Wales and formerly held the position of Managing Director for Customers, Communication, and Technology at Transport for London, will lead the review.
The results of this review will be presented at the next transport committee meeting on Thursday, March 20th.
Image credit: Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
