Mtogo combines the sale of the full range of Merseyrail and national rail tickets with the sale of foods and other items specifically aimed at busy commuters in a hurry. In other words, it is an integrated booking office and convenience store.

The first Mtogo store was opened at Moorfields (Old Hall Street entrance) in July 2006. A further two Mtogo stores opened during 2007 at Hamilton Square and Southport stations. The largest Mtogo to date will open at Liverpool Central in early November 2009. Further Mtogo stores are being planned at Lime Street (low level) and the main entrance at Moorfields. A smaller Mtogo will open at Hooton early in 2010.

Merseyrail’s main reason to develop and implement Mtogo has been the improvement of station facilities

Unlike other shops at UK railways stations, Mtogo is not a franchise operation but an integral part of Merseyrail’s station organisation staffed with Merseyrail’s own staff. It is based on a tried and tested model of retailing at railway stations in the Netherlands (Abellio - formerly NedRailways is one of Merseyrail’s two parent companies, the other being Serco) with an emphasis on chilled areas including an extensive sandwich range, various snacks and drinks, newspapers and magazines and high quality coffee and tea.

The MtoGo concept enhances the station environment, which makes waiting more enjoyable. It enables passengers to have something to eat, drink or read whilst travelling. More staff and more tills offer more flexibility at busy times and improve overall perception of security. In addition to rail users, MtoGo also appeals to other people working or living nearby.

Although stations vary in size, MtoGo is a consistent, uniform, high quality shop concept. All shops are essentially identical, but the number of tills, shelves, refrigerators etc. will vary with the size of the station.

Crucial to the concept is the integration of the sale of rail ticket and a range of convenience products in a single financial transaction. The fact that most customers are in a hurry means that the whole operation is designed for speed, ease of issue and self-service.
Benefits
· Major station enhancement because of the modern, sophisticated design of the shop
· Improved customer satisfaction due to better station facilities
· Increased security because of higher staffing levels and better security measures
· More staff and more tills means more flexibility at busy times