Merseyrail will be cancelling the first services on all lines on Saturday 17 December due to persistently cold temperatures and forecasted sleet and snow.
Due to planned 24-hour strikes by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union, Merseyrail will be running a limited train service on 16 and 17 December.
First service cancellations
Merseyrail will be cancelling the first services on all lines on Saturday 17 December due to persistently cold temperatures and forecasted sleet and snow. Empty ‘route-proving’ trains will run before passenger services to ensure the network is safe to operate.
With cold temperates expected to continue, passengers should check the Merseyrail website or @merseyrail on Twitter before travelling over the weekend.
Strike timetables
Whilst Merseyrail staff are not part of this industrial action, it will involve Network Rail staff who operate the signalling systems and provide maintenance support.
Because of this a 45-minute service will run between approximately 07:30 and 18:30.
A summary of services that will operate 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 every 45 minutes between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, calling at all stations.
- New Brighton line: Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
- West Kirby line: Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
- Southport line: Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
- Hunts Cross line: No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
- Ormskirk line: Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
- Kirkby line: Trains will run every 45 minutes, calling at all stations.
Please see full train timetables below.
Please note: There will be no rail replacement buses on strike days and passengers are advised to make alternative travel arrangements if you cannot make your planned journey using the train service that will operate.
If you have assisted travel bookings or require assisted travel between strike days please contact us here, or use the National Passenger Assist App.
Ticket Information
Tickets for 13, 14, 16, 17 December can instead be used the day before the date on the ticket, or up to and including Tuesday 20 December.
Tickets for 24, 26, 27 December can instead be used on 23 December or up to and including Thursday 29 December.