Merseyrail named as most family-friendly rail operator in the UK

Merseyrail has been recognised as the UK’s most family-friendly railway for the second year running.

The scorecard, which assessed 23 train operators across the country, awarded Merseyrail an industry-leading score of 8 out of 10, the highest of any operator.

The scorecard evaluates operators against ten key criteria, including station accessibility, on-board facilities, support services, and the availability of accurate and helpful information for families.

Merseyrail stood out for its comprehensive approach to family-friendly travel, achieving full marks for both dedicated buggy spaces with nearby seating and level boarding between train and platform across its entire network. A feature unmatched by any other operator in the UK.

This recognition comes as leisure travel continues to dominate rail usage, now accounting for 54% of all train journeys according to recent government data. With families making up a significant portion of leisure travellers, Merseyrail’s performance reflects a strategic commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, welcomed the news:

“We’re proud that Merseyrail has once again been recognised as the UK’s most family-friendly railway. This underlines our commitment to ensuring we deliver services that make every day journeys easier, safer and more inclusive for families. From level boarding to dedicated buggy spaces and tailored support at every station, we’re focused on delivering a network that meets the needs of our customers and is at the heart of the communities we serve.”