Merseyrail said it would be operating a limited train service during next week's planned walk-out by the RMT union.
The 24-hour national strike, planned for Wednesday, July 27, is part of the bitter dispute involving Network Rail staff which has already seen three strike days take place last month.
However, unlike on those occasions - when nearly rail services including Merseyrail were brought to a complete standstill - the Merseyside operator said this time it would be running a limited service. This is because Merseyrail staff are part of a different union and are not involved in the dispute.
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But services will still be severely curtailed as Network Rail signalling and maintenance employees are taking part in the industrial action.
Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at selected stations on each line between 7.30am and 6.30pm on July 27 to help passengers make essential journeys.
A summary of services that will operate on the day is as follows.
- Services will run hourly between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, only calling at Rock Ferry, Birkenhead Central, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
- No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry .
- New Brighton services will run hourly, only calling at New Brighton, Wallasey Grove Road, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
- West Kirby services will run hourly, only calling at West Kirby, Meols, Moreton, Leasowe, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
- Southport services will run hourly, only calling at Southport, Formby Blundellsands & Crosby, Waterloo, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
- No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
- Ormskirk services will run hourly, only calling at Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
- Kirkby services will run hourly, only calling at Kirkby, Fazakerley, Rice Lane, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
There will be no services on the Merseyrail network before 7.30am or after 6.30pm on July 27.
Due to lack of availability, there are no rail replacement buses throughout the whole day on July 27 and passengers should seek alternative travel arrangements where necessary.
On Thursday July 28, trains will be gradually reintroduced from 7am, when the 24-hour strike ends. There are no rail replacement buses before train services begin at 7am, again due to lack of availability.
It is intended that a normal, full train service will resume from 7.30am across the Merseyrail network.
Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said: "I'm pleased that we have been able to work closely with Network Rail to ensure we can provide a service for the people of the Liverpool City Region during this period of national disruption.
"I would stress to those intending to travel on July 27, that services will be hourly, will only serve limited stations and are likely to be very busy. As ever, our team will work hard to get you to where you need to be, but please plan ahead, come prepared and allow more time for your journey."
Full timetables are available via the operators website here.
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