Merseyrail is celebrating #StationsDay

To celebrate this year’s #StationsDay, we have shone the spotlight on some of our most impressive stations on our network and some of the amazing volunteers that keep our stations looking great.

Maghull North

Our newest train station Maghull North opened on our Northern Line in June 2018.
The station was built in response to a significant level of housing development in the area – taking some of the pressure off Maghull station and features step-free access via lifts and bridges as well as a passive provision for future charging points for electric vehicles.
Ainsdale

Ainsdale station underwent a large refurbishment and reopened in July 2018, making it the most environmentally friendly station on the network.

The previous booking office was demolished to make way for a new building complete with solar panels, low energy LED lighting with smart controls and rainwater harvesting tanks to serve the toilet facilities.

The design achieved a CEEQUAL (Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme) rating of ‘Excellent’ in recognition of its green credentials.
Passengers now also enjoy a redeveloped car park, modern and bright booking office, improved waiting facilities and customer information screens with state-of-the-art equipment.

In May 2019, Sefton’s second Community Police Station was opened at Ainsdale station. This is designed to make officers and PCSOs from the local policing team more accessible to people living in and visiting the village.
James Street

As one of the oldest stations on our network, the first passenger services operated through James Street in February 1886.

Together with Hamilton Square station, James Street is the oldest deep level underground station in the world and the first to be cut out of solid rock, rather than the cut and cover method.

The rarely-used Platform 2 at James Street station boasts spectacular brickwork, 19th century tiling and the four-panelled plaster sculpture ‘Dream Passage’ which was installed at the station in 1992.

Maghull Station Volunteers

Many of the stations across our network are looked after by volunteer community groups, and the Maghull Station Volunteers are one of the most decorated, winning both regional and national awards.

They have installed planters, bat boxes, bird boxes, composting and artwork created by local artists at the station – taking great pride in their local area.

There is also a stained glass window on display in member of two former Chairmen of the group, as well as a lending library in the waiting room.

Station Stars – Peter Martin, Ray Badrock and Ian Harrison

Peter, Ray and Ian are Station Retailers at Maghull station and showcase fantastic customer service to our passengers.

Peter has gone above and beyond several times throughout his career at Merseyrail, including liaising with passengers to ensure they get the best deal when purchasing long distance tickets. This builds fantastic rapport with passengers and provides the high level of service that they expect from Merseyrail.

Ray and Ian regularly receive positive feedback about their cheery dispositions and “happy to help” attitude. They retrieve lost property for passengers, are very attentive with elder passengers and are seen going the extra mile at all times.

Station Stars – Lorraine Pettit

Lorraine is a Station Assistant at Liverpool South Parkway. She is a fantastic member of staff who has been involved in a number of difficult situations such as train derailment. As a result of her work, she received recognition from the Samaritans for her excellent work with a suicidal passenger.