Merseyrail has announced changes to services from Monday 18 May

Merseyrail has announced that the frequency and number of rail services will change from Monday 18 May

The decision has been taken in light of the Prime Minister’s announcement on Sunday in which he set out a roadmap for the gradual reduction in lockdown measures. The announcement included guidance that people working in industries such as construction and manufacturing can now begin returning to work.

The guidance issued makes clear that only those that absolutely must travel by train, should do so. Merseyrail has increased services to a level that aims to meet an increase in demand, whilst taking into account the number of railway staff isolating due to the virus.

Passengers are reminded that these services are for essential journeys only. If you can use alternative forms of transport including cycling or walking please do so in line with the government guidance.

Trains will now operate within normal operating hours, albeit at a reduced frequency. These are as follows:

Monday to Saturday

Southport – Hunts Cross line

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then every 60 minutes until end of service.

Please note: Additional services will operate during peak times Monday to Friday.

Ormskirk line

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then every 60 minutes until end of service.

Kirkby line

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then every 60 minutes until end of service.

West Kirby & New Brighton lines

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then every 45 minutes until end of service.

Chester line

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then every 60 minutes until end of service.

Ellesmere Port line

Trains every 30 minutes until approximately 19:00 then a reduced frequency until end of service.

Sunday

Sunday services will still operate between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00.

Full details of the timetable can be found on the website www.merseyrail.org.

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Passengers are also advised to check before and on their day of travel. This can be done by visiting  the Merseyrail website www.merseyrail.org, the Merseyrail Twitter account @merseyrail or by sending  a message on WhatsApp on 0151 555 1111.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “We have been working with government and key stakeholders to develop an increased service that aims to meet demand for those who need to travel

“It is essential that everyone plays their part in helping to keep the trains for those who really need them.  So, only use our services if you absolutely must while maintaining social distancing where it is possible to do so.

“We are committed to providing a reliable service to those who need to travel across the Liverpool City Region as we move through these uncertain times, and I would ask all passengers to act responsibly at all times when travelling, and listen to advice given by staff and displayed at our stations.