Metro Mayor issues key advice for those travelling in the festive season

Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram is reminding people to plan journeys in advance and follow key advice when using transport services during the festive season.

Transport operators are working hard to provide services and minimise disruption in the run up to and during Christmas and New Year.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram issues key advice for those travelling during the festive season

Merseytravel has confirmed that it will be running its usual special network of free bus services on Christmas Day between around 12 noon and 6pm, covering most hospital routes. The Mersey Tunnels Tolls will also be free, as usual, between 10pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Boxing Day.

There are always some changes to public transport at this time of year with some services finishing earlier than usual, so travellers are being urged to plan ahead and continue to follow the Covid-19 measures put in place to help keep everyone safe.

It is advisable to closely consider the timings of any journey, try to avoid busier times and routes and be prepared for journeys to take longer.

Booking tickets in advance especially for long distance journeys is recommended. Those travelling outside of the city region should be mindful of the tier restrictions and guidance in place at their destination.

Anyone using public transport should remember to wear face coverings, unless exempt, maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said: “This has been a very long and difficult few months, but thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of local people, we’ve brought our infection rates down and will be able to have a more ordinary Christmas.
“This year, despite the enormous budget challenges we face, we’ll be continuing with our free bus services on Christmas Day, as well as making the Mersey Tunnels free to use.
“But we don’t want to see all of the hard work and sacrifice of the past few weeks to be thrown away, so please follow the guidelines on wearing of face masks and maintaining social distancing.
“With vaccines starting to roll out there is hope that will be back to normal in the near future. Until then, it’s important to keep doing everything we can to keep people safe, ease the pressure on our NHS and save lives. Please keep following the advice and celebrate responsibly. Coronavirus is the worst present you could give somebody this Christmas.”

Key advice

Anyone who needs to travel is being asked to consider when and by what means they travel.

People are being encouraged to keep cycling and walking where possible. If you need to use public transport then follow our key advice:

Plan ahead – social distancing means that bus and rail services have limited space

Face coverings – you must wear a face covering when using public transport and at all enclosed areas of transport hubs including all rail stations, ferry terminals and Merseytravel Centres, unless you are exempt

Leave plenty of time – you might not make the service you planned to get and may need to wait for the next one. Don’t aim for the last service home.

Check timetables – before and on your day of travel, some services finish earlier than usual at this time of year

Avoid travelling at busier times and on busier routes – mornings are currently quieter

Buy your tickets in advance and online – especially if you are travelling long distance

Consider multi modal ticket – such as Saveaways as these will give you more options

Travel Roundup

Here’s a roundup of bus, train and ferry services across the Liverpool City Region over the Christmas and New Year period.

Christmas Day – Friday 25 December

A special network of free bus services, funded by Merseytravel, will run between approximately 12 noon and 6pm, covering most hospital routes – visit or call Customer Services on 0151 330 1000 for details.
No other bus services will operate.
No trains will operate.
Mersey Ferries will not operate.
The Kingsway (Wallasey) Mersey Tunnel and the Queensway (Birkenhead) Mersey Tunnel will be open throughout the holiday period. Both tunnels will be toll free from 10pm on Thursday 24 December until 6am on Saturday 26 December.

Bus services

Bus services may vary over the festive period. Visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk or Travel Updates page for latest planned changes to services.

Rail

There will be no trains running on the Merseyrail network on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

During the festive period there will be changes to some timetables, with some services finishing earlier than usual and some services not running.

For Wirral, Northern and City line services check www.merseyrail.org or www.northernrailway.co.uk

If you’re heading out of the region by rail check your journey plans by visiting www.nationalrail.co.uk

Mersey Tunnels

Kingsway and Queensway Tunnels will remain open throughout the festive period. Both tunnels will be toll free between 10pm on Christmas Eve and 6am on Boxing Day.

Mersey Ferries

Mersey Ferries services will be suspended following end of service on Friday 18 December at 7pm and will not operate over the Christmas and New Year period.

Services will resume from 7.20am on Monday 4 January 2021, operating between Woodside and Pier Head. No sailings from Seacombe terminal which will be closed for essential works. Visit www.merseyferries.co.uk

For Customer Services telephone 0151 330 1000

For Merseytravel Centres opening hours follow this link

Rethink Travel

Over the festive period we’re continuing to ask you to rethink when and by what means you travel and to please follow our advice to help keep everyone safe.