Merseyrail has announced that due to government measures and the increasing number of staff self-isolating due to the Coronavirus pandemic, there will be further changes to trains from Thursday 2nd April 2020.

Trains will only operate between the hours of 07:00 and 19:00 Monday to Saturday, with services every 30 minutes across all lines.

Many services will be made up of three cars with six-car trains operating wherever possible.

Sunday services will operate between the hours of 08:00 and 19:00 and are as follows:

• Northern line
  • Hourly service
• Chester line
  • Hourly service
• Ellesmere Port line
  • Hourly service operating calling at all stations between Ellesmere Port and Hooton. Passengers can change at Hooton to continue their onward journeys.
• New Brighton & West Kirby lines
  • 45-minute service

Full timetables and details can be found on the Merseyrail website.

What did the officials say?

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:

“Our colleagues have continued to work tirelessly to keep our train service operating. The role they have played in this national effort to support our NHS and other key workers in the fight against COVID-19 is commendable.

“However, we are now unfortunately seeing an increasing amount of them being affected by COVID-19, and – as such – have made the difficult decision to significantly alter the way that we operate.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly, and we recognise the impact it will have.

“Merseyrail is committed to providing a service to key workers and those making essential journeys across the Liverpool City Region during this difficult time.

“The announcement today is about just that – ensuring the service we can offer is as reliable as possible as we move through these uncertain times.

“The prime minister was quite clear that people should only be travelling where absolutely necessary, and I would encourage people to continue to follow that instruction.”

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