Merseyrail will run a limited train service on Saturday 8th October, due to a planned 24-hour strike by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union.

The Liverpool City Region rail network is affected by the UK-wide national strike, as Network Rail signalling and maintenance employees will be taking industrial action from 7am on Saturday 8th to 7am on Sunday 9th October.

Hourly service

Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at all stations on selected lines between 07:30 and 18:30 to help passengers make essential journeys.

A summary of services that will operate on Saturday October 8 is as follows.

• Southport line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
• Ormskirk line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
• Chester and Ellesmere Port lines: No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry. Trains will run hourly between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, calling at all stations.
• New Brighton line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
• West Kirby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations. 
• Hunts Cross line: No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
• Kirkby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.

There will be no trains on the Merseyrail network before approximately 07:30 or after approximately 18:30 on Saturday October 8.

There are no rail-replacement buses on the strike day. Passengers need to make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

Sunday works on Southport line

On Sunday October 9, a normal service will be in operation from the start of service. However, Southport line services will be disrupted due to track renewal work and essential bridge maintenance. Rail replacement buses will run between Hall Road station and Southport station. Trains will run between Hall Road station and Liverpool city centre stations in line with the normal Sunday timetable.

Full timetables are available here. 

Plan ahead

Andy Heath, Managing Director at Merseyrail said: “ As has been the case  with previous days of strike action, Merseyrail continues to plan ahead and ensure train services remain in operation on our network during periods of national disruption.

“We would remind passengers that travelling on Saturday 8th October will require journeys to be planned and that trains are likely to be very busy. We would ask that passengers allow for extra travelling time and be patient with us as we work hard to ensure we get everyone to where they need to be.” 

Customers hoping to travel onwards by train with other train operators should check relevant websites, as many train companies are not running services on Saturday 8th October.