From next Monday, 14th November, the frequency of trains on Merseyrail‘s Kirkby line is to be reduced from four trains per hour to three.

The reduction in services is necessary as the line is being used to test the new Class 777 trains before their introduction into passenger service. To expedite their testing, the number of test runs is being increased.

Because of the reduced frequency of trains, there will be knock-on adjustments to the timetable. Testing of the new trains is only being carried out during normal working hours, so outside those times a normal service will operate before 07.00 and after 19.00 on the affected days, whilst Saturday and Sunday services are unchanged and will run as normal.

Passengers on the Kirkby line should check on Merseyrail’s website at https://www.merseyrail.org/plan-your-journey/kirkby-line-temporary-timetable-change.aspx 

Zoe Hands, Chief Operating Officer at Merseyrail said: “We are continuing with test runs on the network as part of preparations for the introduction of the new trains.

“We would like to apologise to our passengers for the disruption that is being caused and thank them for their patience while this essential testing takes place.”