A frustrated Merseyrail passenger described chaotic scenes on a packed train – including an elderly lady being propped up and people left on platforms.
The region's rail network has come in for considerable criticism in recent weeks owing to a large number of delays, cancellations and some difficult cramped conditions on board.
While the cancellations have mainly impacted the Kirkby line of the network, partly because of problems related to the new Headbolt Lane station, packed three-car services have been an issue elsewhere on the network – as experienced by some of our reporters.
READ MORE: Brianna Ghey live court updates as murder trial continues
READ MORE: Try Liverpool Echo Premium for 99p with no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features
While Merseyrail said these issues have improved, that was not the recent experience of 72-year-old Bill Hodgson, who was travelling from Formby where he lives to Liverpool city centre on Saturday.
Bill, who is retired, said he was shocked by the cramped conditions on the three-car service that was transporting a throng of festive shoppers into the city and shared an image of the situation on board.
He explained: "I was on the 2.09pm train from Formby heading to Liverpool Central, yet another three-car train on a busy Saturday. I don't need to elaborate as the picture speaks a thousand words."
"People were struggling to get on and off, some with buggies, people getting left on the platform at several stops. There was an elderly lady being held up by her son as she had to stand."
The pensioner added: "I was really angry at what I saw, it is just not right. I can't remember the last time I got on a six-car service on the Southport line. I got off the train at Moorfields and it took me the entire time from leaving the stop before to battle my way to get to the doors to get off."
"It was really horrible to be honest, with some serious health and safety implications."
Bill said he has been unsatisfied with the explanations from the rail operator for the recent problems on the network. He said: "I think if they told us more about why this is happening, then people would understand it better. We all pay in for this service so I think we have a right to know what is going on."
Merseyrail has previously apologised to customers who have experienced busy and crowded services. In November, the operator's chief operating officer Stephen Dodd told the ECHO: "We always put as much capacity onto the Merseyrail network as possible and focus six car trains where they are needed most.
“We provide all the six car services we can, and these are publicised each day, morning and afternoon, on our website. As the rollout of the new trains continues, we will see an increase in capacity on the network and will aim to match that capacity to where the demand is required.
He added: “We apologise to customers for any inconvenience they are currently experiencing and would like to reassure them that we are working hard to increase the capacity on the network as soon as we possibly can.”
Merseyrail was approached for any further comments on the current situation.
The Liverpool Daily Post newsletter delves into the biggest stories on Merseyside.