PASSENGERS travelling within Merseyside are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of the Christmas rail strike.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) confirmed members will walk out for 24 hours on Merseyrail services on Friday, December 22.

Strike action from Arriva bus workers was also scheduled for the same day, however, this dispute has been resolved and all further strike action was cancelled.

The dispute between RMT and Merseyrail relates to a new fleet of driver-only trains that will replace the current 40-year-old rolling stock in 2020 which RMT say will threaten the security of guards jobs on trains.

On December 22 Merseyrail services are planned to run every 30 minutes, with the exception of the New Brighton to Liverpool services which will run every hour from around 7am to 7pm, with a break in service between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

There will be no services on the following: Hunts Cross to Liverpool Central; Ellesmere Port to Hooton; Chester to Hooton and Ormskirk to Maghull.

There will also be no ‘late night’ services which were due to depart Liverpool Central at 1.30am on Saturday, December 23.

Merseyrail tickets will be accepted on Arriva bus services on December 22, except between 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm.

Other train operating companies including Northern, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Trains and London Midland will continue to operate as normal apart from Virgin Trains which are also due to strike on December 22.

Managing director at Merseyrail Andy Heath said: “Firstly, let me start with an apology to you, our customers, who are being inconvenienced at one of the busiest times of the year.

"This latest strike, taking place on the last Friday before Christmas, will target people out doing their last-minute Christmas shopping, having fun with friends at festive events and many commuters on their final day in work before the holiday period starts.

"I promise that my team and I will do all we can to keep disruption to your festive plans to an absolute minimum and endeavour to provide as many trains as we possibly can in these difficult circumstances.”

All other bus services, including late night services, and the Mersey Ferries are due to run as planned.

Valid cross river rail tickets will be accepted on the Mersey Ferries on this day.

Chief executive of Merseytravel Frank Rogers said: “We know traditionally that the last Friday before Christmas is one of the busiest days of the year, that’s why we’re working closely with local transport providers to provide passengers with as much information as possible.

"We are confident that by planning ahead, our customers, both local and from further afield, will be able to continue their festive plans with minimal disruption, whether they choose to travel by rail, bus, ferry or car.”