PASSENGERS travelling across Merseyside are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of strike action on Merseyrail and Northern line services.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union announced strike action will take place between 12am to 11.59pm on Tuesday, October 3 and Thursday, October 5.

Liverpool Lime Street will have a major upgrade and no mainline services will enter or leave Lime Street Station from September 30 to October 8.

Most Merseyrail services are planned to run every half hour from around 7am to 7pm, with a break in service between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

15 minute services will be maintained between 7.30am and midnight between Liverpool South Parkway and Liverpool Central, as Liverpool South Parkway will be the mainline rail hub during the Lime Street station upgrade work September 30 to October 22.

Passengers who travel with Northern are also advised to check before they travel as it is planning on running a limited service between 7am and 7pm on October 3 and 5. 

Northern trains are the only mainline rail services affected by strike action in the Liverpool City Region.

Managing director at Merseyrail Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde said: “The RMT has deliberately targeted these two strikes days to take place as the major programme of work to upgrade Lime Street mainline stations gets underway. 

"This follows their previous form, where they have targeted the Grand National at Aintree, the LIMF and Fusion music festivals and the Open Golf tournament at Royal Birkdale. 

“We have devised a timetable that helps keep the city region moving, and our services will get people to and from Liverpool South Parkway, as planned.

"However, it does mean that there will be fewer services on other parts of the network, so we urge our passengers to consult our website and follow us on social media in order to plan their journeys."

Key advice for everyone in the City Region needing to travel on these dates is:

• 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 these dates

• Railway 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, with an extensive network across the Liverpool City Region. Some services will be monitored and strengthened on key routes.

• The Mersey Ferries will be a good alternative if you're travelling cross river, free car-parking at Seacombe for 370 cars with frequent commuter services Monday to Friday.

• Cyclists can use valid cross river tickets on the Mersey Ferries

• 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.