Merseyrail to run limited service during two-days of strike action in August

Merseyrail will run a limited train service on Thursday August 18 and Saturday August 20, due to two planned 24-hour strikes by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union. 

The Liverpool City Region rail network is affected by the UK-wide national walk out, as Network Rail signalling and maintenance employees will be taking industrial action from 07.00 on Thursday August 18 to 07.00 on Friday August 19, and from 07.00 on Saturday August 20 to 07.00 on Sunday August 21. 

Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at selected stations on each line between 07:30 and 18:30 on both days to help passengers make essential journeys.

A summary of services that will operate on Thursday August 18 and Saturday August 20 is as follows.

Chester and Ellesmere Port lines: No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry. Trains will run hourly between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, only calling at Rock Ferry, Birkenhead Central, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

New Brighton line: Trains will run hourly, only calling at New Brighton, Wallasey Grove Road, Wallasey Village, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

West Kirby line: Trains will run hourly, only calling at West Kirby, Hoylake, Manor Rd, Meols, Moreton, Leasowe, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

Southport line: Trains will run hourly, only calling at Southport, Formby, Blundellsands & Crosby, Waterloo, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

Hunts Cross line: No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.

Ormskirk line: Trains will run hourly, only calling at Ormskirk, Maghull North, Maghull, Aintree, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

Kirkby line: Trains will run hourly, only calling at Kirkby, Fazakerley, Rice Lane, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

There will be no trains on the Merseyrail network before 07.30 or after 18.30 on Thursday August 18 or Saturday August 20.

Due to lack of availability, there are no rail-replacement buses on either day. Passengers should make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

On Friday August 19, trains will be gradually reintroduced from 07.00, when the first 24-hour strike ends. There are no rail-replacement buses before train services begin, again due to lack of availability. It is intended that a normal train service will resume from 08.00 across the Merseyrail network.

Full timetables are available via the operator’s website at https://www.merseyrail.org/plan-your-journey/network-rail-strike-action.aspx

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said: “Once again we have been able to work closely with Network Rail to ensure there will be a service for the people of the Liverpool City Region during this period of national disruption.

“For those intending to travel on August 18 or August 20, please be aware that services will be hourly, will only serve limited stations and are likely to be very busy.

“Passengers should plan ahead, come prepared and allow more journey time. Our team will work hard to get you to where you need to be”