1904: Liverpool to Southport electrification
The Liverpool to Southport line was electrified in 1904, the first main line in Britain to be converted from steam to electric operation. The electrification was done by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, who later carried out similar work on the Ormskirk line.
Despite its status as a key link for commuters and holidaymakers, the line was threatened with closure in the Beeching Report in the 1960s.
Fortunately, wiser counsels prevailed and the route was reprieved. Subsequently in 1971 it was incorporated into the Merseyrail Northern Line, with electric trains operating every 15 minutes from 6am to midnight.
