Ownership concerns delayed Bramley-Moore Dock transport plans. Crowding was seen after the test event at Sandhills station.

A test event happened at the stadium Monday, and issues arose about a fan zone and Sandhills station. Around 3,000 people used Sandhills station during the test event at the new stadium. Photos show the station was very crowded after the game.
Steve Rotheram spoke on BBC Radio Merseyside, saying Everton’s ownership caused issues. The ownership question impacted transport planning. Carl Cashman criticized current transport arrangements, stating planning should have been better.
Cashman called the Sandhills area a “cattle pen” and thinks this isn’t good enough for fans. A fan management zone was approved last year, and metal barriers are now installed at the station. Fans have criticized these barriers.
Rotheram said Everton’s future led to solution issues. A transport group has been working for three years, led by Everton Football Club. He added the ownership issues were the problem, and once resolved, they invested in a fan zone similar to Aintree Racecourse events. Safety is the main reason for the zone.
The stadium was never really at risk of not being finished. Liam Robinson will meet with stakeholders to discuss issues from the test. Cashman wants a tram to the new stadium, a circular line from Lime Street. This light rail would be placed shallowly.
Cashman said they need trams, rail and buses, and cannot only rely on Sandhills station. Rotheram likes the idea of a tram. However, it needs a valid business plan, and a tram requires an act of Parliament, which would also take four years.
Everton heads the transport group and have been involved in the fan zone’s development. Rotheram welcomes Everton to enhance the plans, as they already allocated funds for it.