Due to the impact of the heatwave Merseyrail is to slash services on Tuesday with some routes closing completely for the whole day. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail is urging passengers not to travel on Tuesday unless their journey is essential as it makes drastic cuts to its timetable.
Extremely high temperatures are causing a number of heat related problems to Network Rail track and equipment. As a result, the number of trains running and journey times will be seriously affected. Some routes will be closed completely.
On the West Kirby and New Brighton lines, services will only run between Birkenhead North and Liverpool city centre with a 15-minute frequency. No rail replacement buses will run.
Chester and Ellesmere Port services will only run between Rock Ferry and Liverpool city centre again with a 15-minute frequency. No rail replacement buses will run.
A 15-minute service will operate on the Southport to Hunts Cross line. There will be a limited service at the Bank Hall, Hightown, Hall Road and Hillside stations which will have a 30-minute service.
On the Hunts Cross line, services will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway. Rail replacement buses will continue to run between Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross stations.
On the Kirkby line no train services or rail replacement buses will run. On the Ormskirk line a normal service will operate. All of these changes will be in place from the start to end of service on Tuesday, July 19.
Zoe Hands, chief operating officer at Merseyrail said: “We apologise to Merseyrail passengers for the reduction of some services. This is due to a number of heat-related issues with the infrastructure which mean our trains are unable to operate as normal.
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“If you do have to travel, please remember to take water with you and to leave more time for your journey as disruption is possible. We are confident that services will return to normal from Wednesday onwards.”
People who are still travelling are advised to take a soft drink or water. Merseyrail staff will be on hand to help passengers who may struggle with the heat.
Any passengers who are feeling unwell while on a train should get off at the next stop and request help from station staff. Water will be available at all staffed stations for passengers who are feeling unwell.