With fewer staff now having to isolate Merseyrail is set to step up the frequency of some of its services across the Liverpool city region from this weekend. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail will increase the frequency of services on its Wirral lines after the coming weekend.
From Monday, September 27, services on the Chester line will increase to a 15-minute frequency until 7pm then every 30 minutes until the end of service. The Ellesmere Port line will continue to operate a 30-minute service all day.
On both lines, a 30-minute service will also remain in operation on Sundays and there will be changes to the departure and arrival times of trains.
Services on the West Kirby and New Brighton lines will remain at a 20-minute frequency; however, the arrival and departure times of trains will change. Passengers are advised to visit www.merseyrail.org for full details.
In the last 18 month service levels on the Merseyrail network have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is now able to begin reintroducing more services as less staff are required to self-isolate and more passengers begin to travel again.
There are no changes to services on the Northern lines, with Southport and Hunts Cross trains running every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday from the start to the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to run on Sundays.
On the Ormskirk and Kirkby lines trains will continue to run every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday until 8pm then every 30 minutes until the end of service. A 30-minute service will continue to run on Sundays.
Passengers are reminded that – while face coverings are no longer mandatory on public transport – Merseyrail continue to ask that all passengers wear one in crowded areas out of respect for others unless exempt.
Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “I am pleased that we are able to increase services as more staff are able to return to work and more passengers begin to use the Merseyrail network once again.
“Our passengers have been incredibly understanding and patient as we have worked hard to offer a safe, reliable and sustainable service for those travelling across the Liverpool city region.”