Earlier this week Merseyrail cut the frequency of its services due to increasing numbers of station, depot and onboard staff self-isolating because of the spread of the coronavirus. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyrail is to lay on additional evening services on its Northern and Wirral lines to assist key workers in getting to and from work.

Earlier this week the network cut the frequency of its services due to increasing numbers of station, depot and onboard staff self-isolating because of the spread of the coronavirus.

Trains are now only operating between the hours of 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, with services every 30 minutes across all lines. Sunday services will operate between the 8am and 7pm.

READ MORE: Mersey Ferries to suspend services as passenger numbers plummet

However, following feedback from those still travelling on the network, Merseyrail’s planning team has spoken with staff who have agreed to work longer hours to make small adjustments to the reduced timetable using the resources available.

Merseyrail is now able to provide an additional limited service on some lines between 7pm and 10pm Monday to Saturday to better accommodate those travelling to or from work. The additional evening services are as follows:

Kirkby line

• Additional services leaving Kirkby at 19:13, 20:13, 21: 13 and 21:58
• Additional services leaving Liverpool Central at 19:35, 20:35 and 21:35

Southport line (Southport to Liverpool Central only)

• Additional services leaving Southport at 18:43, 19:43 and 20:43
• Additional services leaving Liverpool Central at 19:53, 20:38 and 21:38

Chester line

• Additional services leaving Chester at 20:15 and 22:00
• Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating at Rock Ferry at 22:41
• Additional services leaving Moorfields and terminating at Chester at 19:11 and 20:56

West Kirby line

• Additional services leaving West Kirby at 20:01 and 21:31
• Additional services leaving Moorfields at 19:15, 20:31 and 22:01 (22:01 terminates at Bidston)

Merseyrail says that as the situation is changing so rapidly, it is likely that this timetable may change again in the future.  All passengers are advised to check Merseyrail’s website and Twitter account @merseyrail before travel for the most up-to-date information.

Passengers who still require alternative forms of transport due to the reduced timetable are encouraged to visit Merseytravel as many bus services are continuing to run into the evening.