On Wednesday, 27th July, Merseyrail is planning to operate a limited train service despite a planned 24-hour strike by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union.

The strike will affect Merseyrail services as Network Rail’s signalling and maintenance staff will be taking industrial action from 07.00 on Wednesday, 27th to 07.00 on Thursday, 28th July.

On 27th July, to help passengers make essential journeys, Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at selected stations on each line between 07:30 and 18:30. There will be no services before 07.30 or after 18.30. Due to lack of availability, there will be no rail replacement buses, and passengers should seek alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

The following is a summary of services that will operate:

Between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central:

• services will run hourly, only calling at Rock Ferry, Birkenhead Central, Hamilton Square, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.
• no trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry .

New Brighton services:

• services will run hourly, only calling at New Brighton, Wallasey Grove Road, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.

West Kirby services:

• services will run hourly, only calling at West Kirby, Meols, Moreton, Leasowe, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.

Southport services:

• services will run hourly, only calling at Southport, Formby Blundellsands & Crosby, Waterloo, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.
• No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.

Ormskirk services:

• services will run hourly, only calling at Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Kirkdale, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.

Kirkby services:

• services will run hourly, only calling at Kirkby, Fazakerley, Rice Lane, Kirkdale, Moorfields, and Liverpool Central.

On Thursday, 28th July, they will gradually reintroduce services from when the 24-hour strike ends at 07.00. There will be no rail replacement buses before train services begin at 07.00 due to lack of availability. Merseyrail plans to resume a normal, full train service from 07.30 across its network. Full timetables are available via the Merseyrail website at https://www.merseyrail.org/plan-your-journey/network-rail-strike-action.aspx

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to work closely with Network Rail to ensure we can provide a service for the people of the Liverpool City Region during this period of national disruption. I would stress to those intending to travel on July 27, that services will be hourly, will only serve limited stations and are likely to be very busy. As ever, our team will work hard to get you to where you need to be, but please plan ahead, come prepared and allow more time for your journey.”