‘Leaves on the line’ is an annual autumn challenge for UK rail operators and Merseyrail is announcing autumn changes to its timetable to tackle the problem. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail is announcing what it calls minor timetable changes on parts of the Southport, Chester and Ellesmere Port lines this autumn amid the challenges of “leaf fall season’.
‘Leaves on the line’ is an annual autumn challenge for UK rail operators and Mersyrail says these latest changes will help maintain a safe and reliable service during the next few months.
During autumn, falling leaves can create a slippery layer on the tracks that affects train acceleration and braking. To ensure services continue to operate safely, trains may need to run at slightly reduced speeds.
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Together with Network Rail, Merseyrail carries out work throughout the year to reduce the impact of leaf fall on the railway. These timetable changes form part of that ongoing commitment to providing safe, reliable journeys for customers.
Chester and Ellesmere Port lines – changes from Sunday, September 20:
- Trains from stations between Chester/Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead Central will depart at different times to normal and journey times may be extended by up to five minutes.
- Trains from Liverpool city centre may arrive up to five minutes later at stations between Birkenhead Central and Chester/Ellesmere Port.
Southport line – changes from Saturday, November 7:
- Trains from stations between Southport and Sandhills will depart up to three minutes earlier than currently scheduled. Arrival times into Liverpool city centre will remain unchanged.
- Trains from Liverpool city centre will depart at their usual times but may arrive up to three minutes later at stations between Sandhills and Southport.
Customers are advised to use the Merseyrail Journey Planner to check train times before they travel.