Rail strikes on Merseyrail network Saturday 8th and Monday 10th July, and on Northern rail services on Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th and Monday 10th July.

What’s happening

Travellers in the Liverpool City Region are being urged to plan their journeys and check before they travel ahead of planned industrial action on Merseyrail services, Saturday 8th and Monday 10th July, and Northern services on Saturday 8th, Sunday 9th and Monday 10th July.

Guards represented by the RMT union are striking in relation to staffing arrangements on new trains.

While train users will be most directly impacted on these dates, the whole transport network is expected to be busier as people find other ways to travel.

Strike action has also been announced on Merseyrail services for Sunday 23rd July and more information about transport services will be published nearer the time.

How you can help

Check timetables and plan your journeys.
Leave more time for your journeys.
Avoid travelling at peak times where possible.
Stick to public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion on key routes in and out of the city centre.
Consider your alternative travel options.
Speak to your employer about whether there is any flexibility in working times or the possibility of working from home.
If you have no option but to drive, consider car sharing.

What you need to know

Rail users

Merseyrail Services

Most Merseyrail services are planned to run every half hour from around 7am to 7pm and services will not stop at some stations. All trains will have 6 cars. However, passengers are strongly advised to check the Merseyrail website and Twitter feed before travelling as it is possible that timetables will change prior to, as well as during, strike action.

Wirral line trains will be running to James Street only.

Southport – Liverpool Central:
30 minute service
Not calling at Freshfield, Hall Road, Bootle Oriel Road, Bank Hall or Sandhills


Maghull – Liverpool Central:
30 minute service
Calls at all stations except Sandhills


Hooton – Liverpool James St:
30 minute service
Not calling at Eastham Rake or Bromborough Rake


West Kirby – Liverpool James St:
30 minute service
Not calling at Manor Road, Bidston, Birkenhead Park or Conway Park


New Brighton – Liverpool James St:
60 minute service
Calling at all stations


There will be no services on the following lines:

Hunts Cross – Liverpool
Kirkby – Liverpool
Ormskirk - Maghull
Ellesmere Port – Hooton
Chester – Hooton

A list of services is also available on Merseyrail’s website.



Northern services

Northern will be running a reduced service and more information will be available soon. Please see the Northern rail website for the latest details.

ADVICE: Check timetables and plan your journeys before you travel and try not to aim for the last scheduled train. Rail stations and trains are likely to be busier as a result of reduced services.

Mainline services

Services by other mainline train operators– TransPennine Express, East Midlands and Virgin Trains– will continue to run as normal.

Alternative travel options

Bus

Commercial bus services may be a good alternative with a strong network across the Liverpool City Region and cross river. Services will be monitored and strengthened on key routes.

ADVICE: Check timetables before you travel and expect services to be busier than usual.

Mersey Ferry

The Mersey Ferries will be a good alternative if you're travelling cross river with free car-parking at Seacombe for 370 cars.

There are frequent commuter services Monday to Friday. Visit the Mersey Ferries website for both Commuter Services and River Explorer Cruise timetables.

Cyclists with valid cross river rail tickets will be accepted.

ADVICE: Check timetables before you travel and expect services to be busier than usual.

Mersey Tunnels

People are advised to stick to public transport where possible to reduce congestion on key routes including the Mersey Tunnels. If you have no option but to drive, consider car sharing.

Advice: Stick to public transport where possible and leave more time for your journeys.

Cyclists

Cyclists will be able to use valid cross river rail tickets on the Mersey Ferries.

Assisted travel

You will still be able to travel cross-river on rail or other suitable vehicles. Please check with Merseyrail staff before you travel.

Where to get more travel advice and options

For the latest on Merseyrail services visit the website or follow @Merseyrail on Twitter. You can also call 0151 555 1111.

For the latest on Northern services visit the website follow @northernassist on Twitter or visit National Rail Enquiries.

Use Merseytravel’s journey planner to see your travel options and visit the travelling around section of the website for more details on routes and timetables.

If you need additional help in planning your journeys call Merseytravel on 0151 330 1000.

Information about services for industrial action on Sunday 23rd July will be published nearer the time.