Merseyrail will run a limited train service on Saturday 8th October due to a planned 24-hour strike 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 07:00am on Saturday 8th October to 07:00am on Sunday 9th October.
Whilst Merseyrail employees are not involved in the industrial action, Network Rail’s arrangements with contingency staff restrict Merseyrail’s ability to run the full train service.
Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at all stations on selected lines between 07:30 and 18:30 to help passengers make essential journeys.
A summary of services that will operate on Saturday 8th October 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, calling at all stations.
New Brighton line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
West Kirby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
Southport line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
Hunts Cross line: No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
Ormskirk line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
Kirkby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
There will be no trains on the Merseyrail network before approximately 07:30am or after approximately 18:30pm on Saturday 8th October.
There are no rail-replacement buses on the strike day. Passengers should make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.
On Sunday 9th October, a normal service will be in operation from the start of service. However, Southport line services will be disrupted due to track renewal work and essential bridge maintenance. Rail replacement buses will run between Hall Road station and Southport station. Trains will run between Hall Road station and Liverpool city centre stations in line with the normal Sunday timetable.
Full timetables are available via the operator’s website HERE
Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said:
“ As has been the case with previous days of strike action, Merseyrail continues to plan ahead and ensure train services remain in operation on our network during periods of national disruption.
“We would remind passengers that travelling on October 8 will require journeys to be planned and that trains are likely to be very busy. We would ask that passengers allow for extra travelling time and be patient with us as we work hard to ensure we get everyone to where they need to be.”
Customers hoping to travel onwards on other train operators should check relevant websites, as many train companies are not running services on 8th October.
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