Merseyrail has announced further changes to its schedules due to government emergency

Further major changes to Merseyrail services due to government emergency measures and staff self-isolation

Due to the national emergency measures and increasing numbers of station, depot and onboard staff self-isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be further significant changes to the Merseyrail service from this Thursday (2 April 2020).

Trains will now only operate between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 Monday to Saturday, with services every 30 minutes across all lines.

Sunday services will operate between the hours of 08:00 and 19:00 and are as follows:

Northern line

Hourly service

Chester line

Hourly service

Ellesmere Port line

Hourly service operating calling at all stations between Ellesmere Port and Hooton. Passengers can change at Hooton to continue their onward journeys.

New Brighton & West Kirby lines

45-minute service

Many services will be made up of three cars with six-car trains operating wherever possible. This is due to a number of traincrew self-isolating, as well as maintenance staff who are required to assist us in ensuring we can provide sufficient trains for our services.

Full timetables and details can be found on our website and passengers are advised to use this as the journey planner may not be accurate at this time.

There are likely to be further amendments to our timetable over the coming weeks due to the number of staff affected by COVID-19, and we would encourage all customers to check before you travel.

This can be done by visiting our website www.merseyrail.org, the Merseyrail Twitter account @merseyrail or by sending us a message on WhatsApp on 0151 555 1111.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “Our colleagues have continued to work tirelessly to keep our train service operating. The role they have played in this national effort to support our NHS and other key workers in the fight against COVID-19 is commendable.

“However, we are now unfortunately seeing an increasing amount of them being affected by COVID-19, and – as such – have made the difficult decision to significantly alter the way that we operate.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we recognise the impact it will have.

“Merseyrail is committed to providing a service to key workers and those making essential journeys across the Liverpool City Region during this difficult time.

“The announcement today is about just that – ensuring the service we can offer is as reliable as possible as we move through these uncertain times.

“The prime minister was quite clear that people should only be travelling where absolutely necessary, and I would encourage people to continue to follow that instruction.”

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