Chaos on Merseyrail during a bad weather in January was the final straw for Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram who has appointed a transport expert to conduct an urgent review. Tony McDonough reports

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has appointed a transport industry expert to conduct an urgent review following chaos on the Merseyrail network in January.

Early in the month Liverpool city region was hit by snow and freezing conditions. This led to multiple delays and cancellations across the Merseyrail network. For several hours on January 9 there were no services on either the Northern or Wirral lines.

And despite rail bosses being aware of snow and freezing conditions in advance they failed to organise rail replacement buses leaving travellers fuming. Mr Rotheram said the chaos was “unacceptable”.

Now the Mayor says Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt will lead an independent and objective review of the rail industry’s winter preparations for the Merseyrail network.

This review will also consider the industry’s wider winter planning process and whether lessons have been learned from previous cold snaps.

Representatives from Merseyrail, Network Rail and train manufacturer Stadler have also appeared before the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Transport Committee to explain why the network ground to a halt on January 9.

Mr Rotheram 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.

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“My priority is making sure that passengers in Liverpool city region not only have a reliable transport system, but that they receive clear communication from Merseyrail in the event of impacted services.”

Mr Everitt is also a non-executive director on the board of Transport for Wales and was previously Transport for London’s managing director for customers, communication and technology.

The findings of the review will be presented to the next transport committee on Thursday, March 20.