I can just about remember this. One station that sticks out is Wallasey Village, which with neither footbridge nor subway had a walkway at track level for the clerk to cross to the other platform, long since removed. They stopped collecting tickets before guards started doing revenue, so for a while it was effectively a free service outside the gated central stations.
Usually only happens where there's a bit of time between stops, Hooton to Bache, north of Old Roan on Ormskirk line and the few stops either side of Formby is the only time I've seen it.
The presence is certainly the main reason for patrolling the train, and being on hand to help/advise/answer questions, as well as dealing with and reporting any situations which may unfold within the train.
If you pay the correct fare and know you don't come under that in bold, then you have no need to worry about whether guards are checking or not.
With respect, if this experience has only been since the 777 introduction, is the journey sample size big enough to reflect an accurate correlation?
Two weeks ago I was on a 777 between Ormskirk and Liverpoll when the young lady guard was checking tickets.
On the 777 the guard isn't supposed to be in the cab except in "exceptional circumstances". They're expected to be within the train at all times.
Meanwhile on Northern services where I am, it's very rare that the Guard doesn't check tickets, so I don't see why Merseyrail should be any different.
By that logic (notwithstanding the first point), you'd be arguing against Northern guards carrying out ticket checks? If you are going to have a second person on a train, they ought to be checking tickets in my opinion.
It's a good customer service ice breaker and it is a strong reminder that there's a presence in the train. I can smile and be friendly without seeming odd because there's a reason for the interaction.
I had my saveaway checked by a friendly guard on a 777 on the Kirkby line recently.
