Everton Fan Groups Meet with Transport Chiefs Ahead of Final Test Event

Everton supporter representatives have met with members of the Stadium Transport Group as preparations continue for the final test event at Hill Dickinson Stadium in August.

Following two successful test events at the Club’s new home, the Stadium Transport Group – comprising representatives from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Merseytravel, Merseyrail, and travel consultants – reconvened this week with supporter representatives from the Everton Fan Advisory Board, Fans’ Forum, Supporters’ Club Committee and Everton Disabled Supporters Association (EDSA), alongside Club officials, to reflect on learnings and explore achievable enhancements to the supporter travel experience.

The collaborative session, hosted by Everton, focused on refining the wider transport plan for the upcoming pre-season friendly against Roma on Saturday 9 August.

Merseyrail shared updates on further improvements to Sandhills Station, including the installation of a new pedestrian bridge at the southern end of the island platform, which will be completed in time for the Roma fixture, and other measures that would enhance crowd control and help ease passenger flow.

Additional measures, such as longer and more frequent trains, are also being introduced in response to observed fan behaviour from the previous events.

The group was encouraged by strong early uptake of park and ride schemes and discussed the further opportunities provided by shuttle buses, and confirmed a third bus route connecting Kirkby to the stadium will be added for future fixtures.

The trial use of Mersey Ferries for the second test event – linking Wirral to the stadium – was deemed a success and will continue, while post-match supporter movement via the nearby Bascule Bridge is under review to ensure safe and efficient exit routes.

Availability of Blue Badge parking and Supporters’ Club coach parking remains under active discussion with fan representatives, with further information to be shared with supporters closer to the next fixture.

In closing, supporter groups confirmed they would work alongside transport partners and Club officials to help gather further insight prior to and after upcoming events with the aim of helping to establish efficient and sustainable matchday routines for the future.

The Club, local authorities and transport providers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue and regular meetings with fan representatives in the lead up to the third test event and the official opening of Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2025/26 Premier League season.