Merseyrail is increasing its train services on Wirral lines from Sunday

Merseyrail will be increasing the frequency of some of its services on Wirral lines from Sunday 26 September.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the rail operator over the last 18 months, but it is now able to begin reintroducing more services as less staff are required to self-isolate and more passengers begin to travel again.

This change means that Monday to Saturday services on the Chester line will increase to a 15-minute frequency until 19:00 then every 30 minutes until the end of service. The Ellesmere Port line will continue to operate a 30-minute service all day.

On both lines, a 30-minute service will also remain in operation on Sundays and there will be changes to the departure and arrival times of trains.

Services on the West Kirby and New Brighton lines will remain at a 20-minute frequency; however, the arrival and departure times of trains will change. Passengers are advised to visit www.merseyrail.org for full details.

There are no changes to services on the Northern lines, with Southport & Hunts Cross trains running every 20 minutes Monday – Saturday from the start to the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to run on Sundays. On the Ormskirk & Kirkby lines trains will continue to run every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday until 20:00 then every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to run on Sundays.

Passengers are reminded that – while face coverings are no longer mandatory on public transport – Merseyrail continue to ask that all passengers wear one in crowded areas out of respect for others unless exempt.

To keep themselves and others safe, passengers are also asked to follow the following travel advice:

• Avoid peak travel (between 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:30)
• Allow extra time for your journey
• Use contactless payments where possible
• Wash or sanitise hands as soon as possible before and after travel
• Follow advice from staff and be considerate to other passengers
• Do not use public transport if you, or a member of your household, has COVID-19 symptoms or you have been instructed to self-isolate.

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

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. Passengers are encouraged to check for the latest information before they travel. This can be done by visiting the website www.merseyrail.org or the Merseyrail Twitter account @merseyrail for the latest information.

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:

“I am pleased that we are able to increase services as more staff are able to return to work and more passengers begin to use the Merseyrail network once again.

“Our passengers have been incredibly understanding and patient as we have worked hard to offer a safe, reliable and sustainable service for those travelling across the Liverpool City Region.

“I would also ask that those travelling on the Merseyrail network please wear a face covering out of respect for others.”

Book your journey with Merseyrail here.