Travellers warned of limited train service on Wirral Line due to strike action

General views of refurbished stations with new livery trains and passengers. Central station.
Share on twitter
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on whatsapp

All travellers are being urged to plan their journeys and check before they travel ahead of strike action on Saturday 8th and Monday 10th July.

While train users will be most directly impacted, the whole transport network is expected to be busier as people find other ways to travel.

Wirral Line services from West Kirby are planned to run every half hour from around 7am to 7pm and services will not stop at  Bidston, Manor Road, Birkenhead Park, Conway Park, Moorfields, Lime Street Low Level and Liverpool Central stations.

Members of the RMT Union are striking over plans to abolish guards and introduce Driver Only Operated Trains on Merseyrail.

Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said: “The Merseyrail team has put together the best possible timetable that we can to provide a limited train service on both strike days. I would urge all our customers to check before they travel.”

Passengers are strongly advised to check the Merseyrail website and Twitter feed before travelling  as it is possible that timetables will change prior to, as well as during, strike action.

View of a Merseyrail station
View of a Merseyrail station

Meanwhile, passengers who travel with Northern are also advised to check before they travel as Northern is planning on running more than 40 per cent of services on revised timetables between 7am and 7pm on Sat 8th July and Mon 10th July and between around 9am and 5pm on Sunday 9th July.

Key advice for everyone in the Liverpool City Region needing to travel on these dates is:

  • Check before you travel: If you’re a rail user plan based on current information available, but be prepared to adapt your plans as timetables may change on these dates
  • Rail stations are likely to be busier as a result of reduced rail services. Don’t aim for the last scheduled train, get there early.
  • If you’re not a rail user, you’re still likely to be affected as people find alternative ways to travel. Leave longer for your journey and avoid travelling at peak times where possible.
  • Bus may be a good alternative, with an extensive network across the Liverpool City Region. Some services will be monitored and strengthened on key routes.
  • The Mersey Ferries will be a good alternative if you’re travelling cross river, free car-parking at Seacombe for 370 cars with frequent commuter services Monday to Friday.
  • Cyclists can use valid cross river tickets on the Mersey Ferries.
  • Stick to public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion on key routes such as the Mersey Tunnels and roads in and out of the City Centre.
  • If you have no option but to drive, consider car sharing.
  • Speak to your employer about whether there is any flexibility in working times or the possibility of working from home.

Further information and travel options are available:

For the latest on Merseyrail services visit the website  or follow @Merseyrail on Twitter. You can also call 0151 555 1111.

For the latest on Northern services visit the website follow @northernassist on Twitter or visit National Rail Enquiries.

Use Merseytravel’s journey planner to see your travel options and visit the travelling aroundsection of the website for more details on routes and timetables.

If you need additional help in planning your journeys call Merseytravel on 0151 330 1000