Fans are being urged to plan their journeys in advance ahead of a huge day of sport and entertainment taking place across the Liverpool City Region this Saturday.
Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the area, with sell-out crowds heading to both the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and Anfield, alongside the ever-popular River of Light festival illuminating Liverpool’s waterfront.
More than 50,000 supporters are set to pack into Everton’s new home for the Rugby League Ashes Test between England and Australia, kicking off at 2.30pm. Across the city, Liverpool take on Aston Villa at Anfield in an evening clash kicking off at 8pm. Over the water, Tranmere Rovers host Stockport County in their FA Cup tie at Prenton Park from 3pm.
Meanwhile, thousands more visitors are expected to enjoy River of Light, which continues to dazzle along Liverpool’s historic waterfront each evening from 5pm to 9pm until Sunday, 2 November.
With such a busy programme of events, transport services are expected to be busier than usual throughout the day and into the night. Passengers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and check the latest updates before setting out.
Supporters travelling locally or from further afield are reminded that a range of travel options is available across the region. The best way to stay informed is to follow transport operators directly for live updates via their websites and social media channels to help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“This weekend is going to be another fantastic showcase of our city region’s capability to host major events – from Rugby League international tests to Premier League and FA Cup fixtures, alongside the spectacular River of Light festival.
“We want to make sure everyone can get to and from our city region easily, safely, and sustainably, while keeping disruption to local residents to a minimum.
“Whether you’re coming to watch the Ashes rugby fixture or the football, or just enjoying a walk along the waterfront, please make sure you plan your journeys in advance and check with operators before you travel.”
Summary of transport services
For fans travelling to the England v Australia match, three shuttle bus options are available to get to the Hill Dickinson Stadium from Liverpool One bus station, Commutation Row by St George’s Hall and Bootle Strand Bus Station. Please note, the shuttle from Kirkby bus station will not be running for this fixture.
Merseyrail will be running a 15-minute service on the Southport, Ormskirk, Hunts Cross, and Headbolt Lane lines before and after the event. Sandhills, Bank Hall and Moorfields are all within walking distance of the stadium on arrival.
If you can, cycling and walking from the Liverpool city centre is also an option, with safe walking routes and cycle parking available at the stadium.
The Mersey Ferries will be operating a normal River Explorer service on Saturday, with the last service back to Seacombe departing from the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal at Liverpool’s Pier Head at 4pm.
A full run-down of the travel advice can be found on the EFC page on the Merseytravel website.
