Merseyrail has issued a service update ahead of four RMT strike days.
The travel provider will run a limited train service on Tuesday, December 13, Wednesday 14, Friday 16 and Saturday 17 due to planned strikes by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union. The Liverpool City Region rail network is affected by the national walk out, as Network Rail signalling and maintenance employees will be taking industrial action.
Merseyrail are limited in the number of trains that they can run by the number of Network Rail signalling and maintenance staff that are available and will be forced to run a 45-minute service calling at all stations on selected lines between 07.30am and 6.30pm.
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On Thursday, December 15, train services will begin at approximately 7am and a limited rail replacement bus service will be in operation from the busiest stations prior to 7am. On Sunday, December 18, a normal timetable will operate.
There are no rail-replacement buses on the further strike days and those wishing to travel outside of these hours are advised to make alternative travel arrangements where required. Passengers who normally require assistance to travel are advised to speak to a member of station staff or contact Merseyrail’s customer service team via the operator’s website prior to making their journey.
Jane English, Acting Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: "We would like to apologise for the disruption caused to our passengers as a result of the action being taken by Network Rail signallers and maintenance staff. We have worked closely with Network Rail to provide an improved industrial action timetable, with a train serving most stations on the network every 45-minutes from 07:30 and 18:30, to help passengers make essential journeys.
“We would remind passengers who are travelling on Tuesday 13 December, Wednesday 14 December, Friday 16 December or Saturday 17 December to plan their journeys in advance and that trains are likely to be very busy. The late evenings of Friday 16 December and Saturday 17 December are likely to be extremely busy as people begin Christmas celebrations.
"Passengers should consider their journey plans carefully bearing in mind that Merseyrail services will not be operating any later than 18:30 on both days.”
Here's a summary of how services will operate on the strike days.
Chester and Ellesmere Port lines
No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry. Trains will run every 45 minutes between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, calling at all stations.
New Brighton line
Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
West Kirby line
Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
Southport line
Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
Hunts Cross line
No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
Ormskirk line
Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
Kirkby line
Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
Strike action planned between 24-27 December may affect Merseyrail services. As soon as information and details are available Merseyrail will issue further guidance to passengers.
Passengers are advised to visit the Merseyrail website for full details or speak to a member of station staff.
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