Once more unto the Merseyrail, dear friends, once more » crowding

Quote of the week … if not of 2009, perhaps.

Chris — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:39:54 +0000

“We are well used to dealing with crowds at underground stations.”

This is from a Merseyrail spokesperson, Rudi Boersma, referring to the chaos at James Street yesterday. You can read about the incident here.

Three nights out of four now …

Chris — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:01:32 +0000

… thats Wednesday, Thursday and now Monday evenings that Merseyrail haven’t been able to get passengers home on the train they wanted, at the time they wanted, and maybe even with a seat, if they’re lucky (plenty weren’t tonight – when the 5:21 from Moorfields arrived at James St on it’s way to West Kirby, there were plenty who couldn’t even get on the train, never mind on a seat).

I missed the start of the disruption, but I got caught in the chaos it caused. The train I was on was ridiculously overcrowded, and late getting me home.

If this continues, it really will be a return to the ‘old days’ of MiseryRail. I wonder if Bart has ever tried getting home after a days work on one of his early evening trains? If he did, maybe they’d see fit to make sure the trains they’ve got don’t keep breaking down, and perhaps lay on a few more 6 carraige units to ease the pain.

Platform 2 – James Street Station, Liverpool

Chris — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:40:08 +0000

James Street, Platform 2?

James Street, Platform 2?

… and before I have Merseyrail’s legal team on the blower, this is obviously a joke. This platform is far too clean to be James Street No.2.

James St Station

Chris — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:51:34 +0000

This photo doesn’t really do the scene at James Street this evening justice. The platform was totally chock full of passengers, and that was BEFORE the train arrived.

James Street station crowds

James Street station crowds

Sadly, thanks to taking the photo with a CrapBerry, I missed the best shot as they arriving passengers attempted to squeeze through the waiting throng.

I really should have bought an iPhone!

The Wirral rip-off continues

Chris — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:56:35 +0000

And the chaos at James Street.

I stood yesterday evening for a couple of minutes in the passageway outside the underground lifts at James Street, and the number of confused passengers was shameful. There is NOTHING to tell people what platform to use, unless you happen to be lost at the same time as a tannoy announcement is made.

It is totally ridiculous. I might try and get a video of it later in the week, if they don’t try and throw me out for being a terrorist!