The Grand National 2026 took place over the 9th to 11th April, with Merseyrail reporting over 111,000 journeys made during the event.
Passengers travelling across the network were able to utilise Tap and Go for the first time, making travel easier and more convenient.
Merseyrail worked alongside the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Network Rail, Stadler, British Transport Police and The Jockey Club to provide an altered timetable for the event.
The partnership also helped to manage any delays and queues, preventing cancellations across the event.
“The Grand National is one of the biggest and most complex events we support each year, and transporting over 111,000 customer journeys safely and smoothly is a real achievement.
Introducing Tap & Go at such a high-profile event is a significant step forward for the network and shows how we continue to make travel easier and more flexible for our customers. I’d like to thank our colleagues, partners and customers for helping make this year’s festival such a success.”
Neil Grabham, Managing Director at Merseyrail
Responses
The passengers had to use Merseyrail as there’s no alternative. In 1955 there were 27 specials arriving at the 3 Aintree stations, Racecourse, Central and Sefton Arms. Only Sefton Arms survived the cull. In the 80’s trains could use the Bootle branch but it’s completely overgrown and some track has been lifted. Access from the north is blocked at Ormskirk.
How short sighted are they!
The car is still King!
Well the t major event for Merseyside is tye open golf in birkdale