Quick & easy way to get across Merseyside (Merseyrail)

Member Name: manonfireuk

Product:	Merseyrail
Date:	02/10/09 (75 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Punctual, quite clean

Disadvantages: Staff could do with customer service training

I rely on Merseyrail on a daily basis for my commute to work. I live in Liverpool and commute to the Wirral. Merseyrail operates across Liverpool and the Wirral and from my experience they have been punctual 99% of the time. Only occasionally have the trains been cancelled and when they have, a very reliable replacement bus service has replaced them. So for punctuality and reliability they get top marks from me.

Cleanliness of the trains is also pretty good, there are often cleaners on the train walking up and down picking up rubbish that commuters have left behind. Unfortunately, the commuters leave so much rubbish behind it seems like an endless battle for them. They could do with replacing the seats however as they often look quite grim.

I've never really experienced any anti-social behaviour on the trains. The only thing that considered to be anti social is many passengers feel it acceptable to have their feet on the seats in front of them, even when they have dirty shoes on. There are posters on all of the trains stating that passengers will be prosecuted for having their feet on seats. However, these seem to have no effect what so ever. I have seen many people with their feet on seats, they're asked to take their feet down by the conductor and as soon as the conductor moves on their feet are back up again. I have never seen anyone prosecuted. I don't know what they can do to enforce it really but something needs to be done.

I have only ever once seen somebody smoking on a merseyrail train. I did inform the conductor then but again nothing was done about it. I think they may need a better policy about confronting and prosecuting people who break the rules because it can be a very uncomfortable situation when other passengers are forced to confront them because the rail staff fail to take action.

Prices for individual fares can be quite pricey but monthly or quartly tickets can save you a bit if you can afford to pay up front. The only problem I find is Merseyside is split up into zones and areas and you can buy rail passes according to which zones or areas you're travelling in. However, you often find that where you're travelling to is just outside a particular zone or area and so you have to pay for 2 zones / areas rather than 1 because it's just outside the zone! I think their fares regarding this need to be revised. It seems unfair for certain journeys.

Merseyrail staff are generally quite unhelpful and grumpy. I've never had a smile or a hello from any of them. Just pass your ticket over, get it stamped and leave!

It's a fast, reliable, fairly clean service operated by grumpy staff. Ignore the staff and put your headphones in!

Summary: They'll get you to where you're going on time as long as you don't mind the unhelpful staff