All travellers in the Liverpool City Region are being urged to plan their journeys and check before they travel ahead of industrial action on both the Merseyrail network and Northern services on Monday (13th March).



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

Merseyrail services are planned to run every half hour on all routes from around 7am to 7pm. All trains will be six carriages long. 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.

Meanwhile, passengers who travel with Northern are also advised to check before they travel as the operator will also be running a greatly reduced, and revised, timetable. Services by other mainline train operators will continue to run as normal.

Key advice for everyone in the City Region needing to travel on Monday 13th March:-

Check before you travel: If you’re a rail user plan based on current information available, but be prepared to adapt your plans as timetables may change on Monday 13th.
Rail stations are likely to be busier as a result of reduced rail services. Don’t aim for the last scheduled train, get there early.
If you’re not a rail user, you’re still likely to be affected as people find alternative ways to travel. Leave longer for your journey and avoid travelling at peak times where possible.
Bus may be a good alternative for you on strike day, with an extensive network across the Liverpool City Region. Services will be monitored and strengthened on key routes.
The Mersey Ferries will be a good alternative if you’re travelling cross river, with frequent commuter services and free car-parking at Seacombe for 370 cars. Valid cross-river rail tickets and passes will be accepted, including for cyclists. Current arrangements remain for the cross-river bike bus.
Stick to public transport wherever possible to reduce congestion on key routes such as the Mersey Tunnels and roads in and out of the City Centre.
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.
For travel advice and options on Monday 13th March visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk/railstrike
For the latest on Merseyrail services visit www.merseyrail.org/strike or follow @Merseyrail on Twitter. You can also call 0151 555 1111
For the latest on Northern services visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or www.northernrailway.co.uk/industrialaction and follow @northernassist on Twitter.
If you need additional help in planning your journeys call Merseytravel on 0151 236 7676
Said Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Managing Director at Merseyrail:

“We expect to be able to run the revised timetable published earlier this week, as long as other staff who are not on strike come to work as normal. However, it is possible that services change prior to, as well as during, strike action, so we strongly advise passengers to check our website and Twitter feed before travelling.’

Said Sharon Keith, Regional Director for Northern said:

“We are acutely aware of the important role that Northern plays in keeping the north of England moving, would ask for your patience on Monday, and ask all our customers to individually take time to consider whether your journey is necessary and if it is, please plan carefully.”

Said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel:

“Industrial action is intended to be disruptive and it will be. While rail travellers will be most directly affected, other people travelling in and around the City Region that day are likely to be impacted as people take to the wider transport network. Consider when you travel and how, to play your part in keeping the City Region moving as best it can.”