Due to an increase in staff availability, Merseyrail will be increasing services across the network from Monday 14 February.

Staffing numbers were impacted by the COVID Omicron variant resulting in a reduced timetable but the rail operator is now able to provide more services across the Liverpool City Region.

The changes are as follows:

Southport & Hunts Cross Lines

Monday to Saturday services will increase to a 20-minute frequency from start until end of service. A 30-minute service will remain in operation on Sundays.

Ormskirk & Kirkby Lines

Monday to Saturday services will increase to a 20-minute frequency from the start of service until 20:00. They will then operate every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will remain in operation all day on Sundays.

Chester & Ellesmere Port Lines

Monday to Saturday services on the Chester line will increase to a 15-minute frequency from 07:00 until 19:00. They will operate every 30 minutes before 07:00 and after 19:00 until end of service. The Ellesmere Port line will continue to operate a 30-minute service all day. A 30-minute service will also remain in operation on Sundays on both lines.

West Kirby & New Brighton Lines

Services will continue to run every 20 minutes from the start of service until 19:00. They will then operate every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to operate on Sundays.

A 30-minute timetable is currently in operation until 14 February.

Passengers are reminded that, while face coverings are no longer mandatory on public transport, they are encouraged to wear one whilst travelling on the network out of respect for others.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:

“I am happy to announce that we are now able to increase our services as the impact of the Omicron variant on our staff availability has reduced.

“This is especially pleasing as it coincides with more passengers returning to the network following the Government announcement of an easing of Plan B restrictions across the country.

“I would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding during this challenging time, as we have worked hard to deliver a reliable service across the Liverpool City Region.”

Merseyrail continues to closely monitor staffing and passenger levels as the City Region emerges from the COVID -19 pandemic and further timetable changes may happen as circumstances change. Merseyrail encourages all customers to check before you travel. This can be done by visiting the website or the Merseyrail Twitter account @merseyrail for the latest information.

Full timetable information and COVID-19 travel advice can be found here. Further information on government guidance can be found here.

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