Rail service steps up frequencies following easing of lockdown

Regional trains service Merseyrail is to step up timetable frequencies from this coming Sunday, July 5.

The decision follows the further easing of lockdown restrictions.

The changes to the service are being put in place to support the expected increase in passenger numbers, as more people begin to make necessary journeys across the city region.

Services between Monday to Saturday will comprise:

• Southport and Hunts Cross line – services will return to running every 15 minutes throughout the day
• Kirkby and Ormskirk lines – a 30-minute service will run all day
• Chester & Ellesmere Port lines – a 30-minute service will run on both lines with a 15-minute service running between Hooton and Liverpool city centre stations
• New Brighton and West Kirby lines – a 30-minute service will run all day

Sunday services:

• Southport line – a 15-minute service will run from start of service until 19:00, then every 30 minutes until end of service
• Hunts Cross, Kirkby and Ormskirk lines – an hourly service will run all day
• Chester & Ellesmere Port lines – an hourly service will run all day on both lines with an additional hourly shuttle service between Ellesmere Port and Hooton stations which provides connections to and from Liverpool city centre
• New Brighton and West Kirby lines – a 45-minute service will run all day

Full timetables and details can be found on the Merseyrail website, and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel.

Merseyrail also reminded those needing to travel to:

• Wear a face covering as per Government guidance
• Use contactless payments where possible
• Travel at quieter times
• Wash or sanitise hands as soon as possible before and after travel
• Follow advice from staff and be considerate to other passengers
• Keep up to date with the latest official health advice

Merseyrail managing director, Andy Heath, said: “During this pandemic, our staff have worked hard to ensure that train services have continued to operate for those who need them, albeit at a reduced level.

“Following the Government’s announcement, we are now in a position to increase our services in anticipation of increased numbers of passengers using our trains.

“I’d stress that the Government guidance remains that public transport is to be used for necessary journeys only.

“I would also like to remind our passengers that, as per government guidance, they must wear a face covering on public transport for the safety of yourselves, fellow passengers and our staff.”

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