Train operator Merseyrail is making ‘minor changes’ to its autumn timetable to minimise the impact of falling leaves on its Liverpool city region services. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyrail is making “minor changes” to the timetable of Southport, Chester and Ellesmere Port services from Monday, October 3. 

These changes are designed to cope with the annual challenge of autumn leaves which can cause disruption on the network. Merseyrail insists most passengers won’t notice any change to their journeys.

Residue from fallen leaves covers the track with a hard, slippery coating in autumn. This makes acceleration problematic in some areas. Trains have to run at slightly lower speeds to ensure safety.

Click here to watch a video on how Merseyrail deals with falling leaves

Work is undertaken throughout the year by Network Rail and Merseyrail to reduce the impact of leaf fall. The minor changes will be:

• Chester and Ellesmere Port: Trains running from stations between Chester and Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead Central will depart up to three minutes earlier than currently timetabled. They will arrive in Liverpool city centre at their usual time.
• Trains from Liverpool city centre will depart at their usual time but arrive at stations between Birkenhead Central and Chester and Ellesmere Port up to three minutes later than currently timetabled.
• Bromborough Rake and Green Lane stations will remain on a 30-minute frequency for trains.
• Southport: Trains running from stations between Southport and Sandhills will depart up to three minutes earlier than currently timetabled. They will arrive in Liverpool city centre at their usual time.

Trains from Liverpool city centre will depart at their usual time. However, they will arrive at stations between Sandhills and Southport up to three minutes later than currently timetabled.