The most common causes of accidents at stations are slips, trips and falls, followed by accidents involving escalators. The most common group of passengers involved in accidents are aged 60+. We review all incidents to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In addition, we hope to raise passenger awareness on safety issues through station road shows, safety messages and other initiatives. This includes working to try to keep our older passengers safe.

Through the station roadshows we have distributed Tulip badges that can be worn by older passengers to signal to Merseyrail staff they are happy to be offered assistance.

Merseyrail provides training to all station staff to identify passengers who may require assistance whilst travelling across the network.

Merseyrail stations can be busy places with people travelling onward to local and national destinations.  We ask that all passengers ensure they allow sufficient time for their journey to ensure that they have no need to rush or run as this could put themselves or others at risk.

Merseyrail staff are available for guidance and assistance within almost all our stations – please speak to them – they are happy to help.

Within the Underground Stations, Merseyrail have Rail Support Staff who are on duty during peak hours. Rail Support Staff wear yellow high-visibility jackets with Rail Support Staff written on the back to highlight to passengers they are there to help and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when using our network.

Bikes on Stations

Bicycle Safety

  • Never ride a bike on a station platform – this is an offence and puts others at risk
  • Riding a bike on any area of a Merseyrail station is an offence and is punishable under byelaw 15.
A passenger is pushing their bike through a station. A safety helmet is hooked on the handle bars of the bike.
On Platform

Platform Safety

  • Never run on platforms, always walk.
  • Ensure that you and any children in your care stand well back from the platform edge and behind yellow lines when they are present.
  • Remember not all trains may stop at your platform. From time to time some trains pass through stations without stopping, so keep a hold of children, pushchairs and other belongings.
  • Never attempt to retrieve articles dropped onto the railway line or between the platform and train. Advise a member of staff or use the help points which are available on every station across the Merseyrail network.
  • Please allow passengers to depart the train before attempting to board the train.
  • Please refrain from standing in front of passageways on the platform to keep walkways clear of passengers or luggage.
  • If you have any concerns regarding your safety during any part of your journey, please contact a member of staff or use the help points.
A busy platform of people waiting to board a train at an underground station.
Automatic Ticket Gates

Ticket Gate Safety

  • Have your ticket ready at the gates.
  • If you have a young child, use the wider staffed gate.
  • If you are disabled, use the wider staffed gate.
  • If you have luggage, use the wider staffed gate
  • Wait until the gate has completely opened to walk through.              
  • If the gate does not open, speak to a member of staff – do not try to force through the gate.
A passenger is inserting their ticket into a barrier to leave or enter a station.
On Train Safety

On Train Safety

  • Merseyrail operate a smoke-free policy on all of our trains and sub-surface stations, this includes waiting shelters on platforms.
  • Do not store oversize / heavy luggage in the overhead shelf. Such items could fall during the journey, causing injury to you or another passenger.
  • Keep aisle clear of luggage.
  • Do not stand near the train doors. You could cause an obstruction, or an accident when the doors open or close.
A man is wearing a tie is sat on a train looking out of the window. He has shoulder length hair and is holding a mobile phone.
Alcohol

Alcohol Policy

Merseyrail’s most important job is to make sure our customers travel safely and we work hard to stop accidents from happening on our network. To help make sure this is the case, the No Alcohol Policy detailed below is enforceable under Byelaw 4 of the Merseyrail Byelaws.

  • You cannot consume alcohol or carry an open container of alcohol on Merseyrail trains or at our stations.
  • If you’re under the influence of alcohol and unfit to travel, we’ll have to refuse you access to the Merseyrail network. All of our staff have received training to enable them to identify customers who may be vulnerable or who they consider are in an unfit state to travel on our trains. Our staff use this training and their judgement based on what they can see and hear in the moment to make a decision. This is often a very difficult decision to make.
  • The TravelSafe policy is fully supported and enforced by the British Transport Police.
White wine is being poured in to two wine glasses.
Stairs and Ramps

Stair & Ramp Safety

  • Be careful when using the stairs.
  • Don't run or rush when using stairs or ramps, as you may lose your footing.    
  • Focus on the stairs – avoid distractions
  • If unsteady on your feet - Use the handrail
  • Take extra care if conditions are slippery.
  • Take care when passing other customers on the stairs.
A stairway surrounded by hand rails and tall walls.
Lifts

Lift Safety

  • Let people leave the lift before trying to enter.
  • If you are carrying luggage use the lift instead of the escalator.
  • If you have a pram or young child consider their safety
  • If you are unsteady on your feet, the lift may be a safer option.
  • The lift provides disabled passengers with ease of access to each floor.
  • Stay clear of the doors when they are opening/closing.
  • All lifts are fitted with call points that can be used to contact our staff.
A door of a lift at an underground station. The door is surrounded by tiled walls.
Escalators

Escalator Safety

  • If carrying luggage or using prams/wheelchairs/bicycles please use the lift.
  • If you are unsteady on your feet, the lift may be a safer option.
  • Prepare to join the escalator and stand to the right and hold the handrail.
  • Watch the direction of the moving step and step on and off with extra care.
  • Face in the direction of travel so you can be prepared to leave the escalator safely.
  • Keep your feet away from the brushes.
  • Supervise young children whilst using the escalator.
  • If you need assistance when using the escalators, please ask a member of our staff.
Three empty escalators at an underground station.