MERSEYRAIL services will increase from Sunday as lockdown measures continue to ease.

These changes to the service are being put in place to support the expected increase in passenger numbers, as more people begin to make necessary journeys across the City Region.

They are, as follows:

Monday to Saturday

  • Southport line: services will return to running every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Hunts Cross line: services will return to running every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Kirkby line: a 30-minute service will run all day
  • Ormskirk line: a 30-minute service will run all day
  • Chester & Ellesmere Port lines: a 30-minute service will run on both lines with a 15-minute service running between Hooton and Liverpool city centre stations
  • New Brighton line: a 30-minute service will run all day
  • West Kirby line: a 30-minute service will run all day.

Sunday:

  • Southport line: a 15-minute service will run from start of service until 7pm, then every 30 minutes until end of service.
  • Hunts Cross line: an hourly service will run all day
  • Kirkby line: an hourly service will run all day Ormskirk line: an hourly service will run all day
  • Chester & Ellesmere Port line: an hourly service will run all day on both lines with an additional hourly shuttle service between
  • Ellesmere Port and Hooton stations which provides connections to and from Liverpool city centre.
  • New Brighton line: a 45-minute service will run all day West Kirby line: a 45-minute service will run all day.

Full timetables and details can be found at www.merseyrail.org, Merseyrail's Twitter account @merseyrail or by sending a message on WhatsApp on 0151 555 1111.

In line with the Government's advice on social distancing, passengers will have to wear a face covering if travelling by train.

It is also advised to use contactless payments where possible, travel at quieter times, wash or sanitise hands as soon as possible before and after travel, follow advice from staff and be considerate to other passengers.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: "During this pandemic, our staff have worked hard to ensure that train services have continued to operate for those who need them, albeit at a reduced level.

"Following the Government’s announcement earlier this week, we are now in a position to increase our services in anticipation of increased numbers of passengers using our trains.

"I'd stress that the government guidance remains that public transport is to be used for necessary journeys only.

"I would also like to remind our passengers that - as per government guidance - they must wear a face covering on public transport for the safety of yourselves, fellow passengers and our staff."