Merseyrail transports thousands of racegoers to the Grand National Festival

More than 105,000 journeys were made by racegoers travelling to and from The Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse at the weekend, thanks to a dedicated train strategy that saw a seven-and-a-half-minute service.

The rail company once again supported the iconic sporting festival, giving away 4,000 pairs of the famous Merseyrail flip flops, delivering live music and entertainment to passengers at Aintree station as well as introducing additional services to the racecourse.

Merseyrail doubled the capacity and frequency of trains to Aintree with the return of its popular a seven-and-a-half-minute minute service, making it the easiest way to get to and from the racecourse.

Additional staff supported passengers at Aintree, Liverpool Central and Moorfields stations and the network delivered a reliable and punctual service throughout the festival.

A total of £4,200 was raised by charitable collections at the station. Woodlands Hospice, SWACA (Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid) and The Paper Cup Project all benefitted from the generosity of racegoers.

Jane English, acting Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “We were delighted and proud to deliver a brilliant customer experience and train service during the Grand National Festival.

“Despite some mixed weather and disruption, which was expertly managed, we safely transported over 105,000 attendees to and from the racecourse. It was great to get feedback directly from passengers, who were so impressed how organised everything was, regardless of where they travelled from.

“It’s a tribute to the professionalism and expertise of the Merseyrail staff in both the pre-planning and delivery over the three days. There are more huge events planned for the Liverpool city region over the next few months, and I am in no doubt that the same organisation and planning from Merseyrail will support and enhance the public’s enjoyment.”