Rail operator Merseyrail is to increase services across its Liverpool city region network during February after reducing frequencies to due the latest COVID surge. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool city region rail operator Merseyrail will increase services across its network later in February as the COVID omicron surge eases.
Merseyrail reduced frequencies across its Northern and Wirral line services on January 17 as the the rise in the number of COVID cases led to staff shortages. However, the return of staff means it can now increase frequencies from Monday, February 14. The changes are as follows:
Southport & Hunts Cross
Monday to Saturday services will increase to a 20-minute frequency from start until end of service. A 30-minute service will remain in operation on Sundays.
Ormskirk & Kirkby Lines
Monday to Saturday services will increase to a 20-minute frequency from the start of service until 8pm. They will then operate every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will remain in operation all day on Sundays.
Chester & Ellesmere Port
Monday to Saturday services on the Chester line will increase to a 15-minute frequency from 7am until 7pm. They will operate every 30 minutes before 7am and after 7pm until end of service. The Ellesmere Port line will continue to operate a 30-minute service all day. A 30-minute service will also remain in operation on Sundays on both lines.
West Kirby & New Brighton
Services will continue to run every 20 minutes from the start of service until 7pm. They will then operate every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to operate on Sundays.
A 30-minute timetable is currently in operation until 14 February.
Passengers are being reminded that, while face coverings are no longer mandatory on public transport, they are encouraged to wear one whilst travelling on the network out of respect for others.
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Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “I am happy to announce that we are now able to increase our services as the impact of the Omicron variant on our staff availability has reduced.
“This is especially pleasing as it coincides with more passengers returning to the network following the Government announcement of an easing of Plan B restrictions across the country.”