Merseyrail services are affected on Saturday 8th and Monday 9th July, Northern Services are affected on Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th 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.
Most Merseyrail services are planned to run every half hour from around 7am to 7pm and services will not stop at some stations. 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.
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.
Services by other mainline train operators will continue to run as normal.
Key advice for everyone in the 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 around section 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
Information about services for industrial action on Sunday 23rd July will be published nearer the time.
Said Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Managing Director at Merseyrail:
“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.”
Sharon Keith, Regional Director at Northern said:
“We are doing everything we can to keep our customers on the move during the three days of industrial action affecting our network.
“We will be running more than 40 per cent of our usual services, but those trains that do run will be on an amended timetable and are likely to be extremely busy. We ask our customers to plan carefully, allow extra time for travel, and to consider whether their journeys are necessary.”
Said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel:
“While rail travellers will be most directly affected, other people travelling in and around the City Region are likely to be impacted. That’s why we are asking everyone who travels in the city region, either on the train, bus, ferry or in a car, to plan ahead, check timetables and allow more time for their journeys.”
