Everton fans get fresh transport warning as mayor addresses Hill Dickinson Stadium congestion fears

Everton supporters have been warned that resolving transport congestion around Hill Dickinson Stadium will not be straightforward, despite fresh discussions between fan representatives and the Liverpool City Region Mayor.

Renewed concerns over queues, accessibility and facilities at Sandhills station have prompted calls for improvements, with a supporters' survey highlighting the scale of the problem.

What has been said about Everton football crowd congestion?

Mayor of the Liverpool City region Steve Rotheram has acknowledged the difficulties facing Everton fans travelling through Sandhills station, but admitted there is “no easy solution” to increasing capacity at the busy transport hub, via the BBC.

The mayor met the club's fan advisory board after representatives raised concerns about excessive queues, accessibility, shelter, toilets and the availability of real-time travel information.

A survey of more than 600 supporters found that around half had experienced a poor journey through Sandhills, while roughly 30% said they had felt vulnerable or unsafe travelling on matchdays.

Around 20,000 rail journeys pass through the station on Everton home matchdays, including up to 11,000 before kick-off and between 6,000 and 8,000 afterwards.

However, the station is owned by Network Rail, with signalling infrastructure currently limiting services to 24-28 trains per hour. Rotheram said he would continue exploring ways to improve capacity, while acknowledging there was no “magic wand” to resolve the issue.

Fan advisory board secretary Rob Galkoff suggested shuttle buses and express services could provide an alternative, particularly if the expansion of public ownership of local buses creates new opportunities.

He also revealed that some supporters were leaving matches early to avoid queues, a situation he described as upsetting given the cost and importance of attending games.

FGG says: Everton must find solution to Hill Dickinson Stadium transport problems

The concerns raised by supporters underline how the matchday experience extends beyond the stadium itself.

Fans should be able to stay until the final whistle without worrying about lengthy queues or feeling unsafe on their journey home.

With Sandhills' capacity constrained by existing infrastructure, a combination of improved rail operations and alternative transport options may be needed to ease the pressure.

Everton's move to Hill Dickinson Stadium has brought a new chapter for the club, but transport difficulties risk undermining that experience.