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Non Grand National
race goers urged to plan their journeys ahead of rail strike
PEOPLE planning on getting out and
about, on Saturday, 8 April 2017, are being urged to consider their travel options
ahead of a rail strike affecting both Merseyrail and Northern services.
Timetables for both operators have had to be greatly revised and reduced as
guard members of the RMT union walk out in a 2nd 1 day strike in relation
to on train staffing.
Merseyrail has had to assume that train drivers will refuse to cross RMT's
picket lines, as happened on the 1st strike day, on 13 March 2017.
The limited Merseyrail services that will be running are focussed on getting
people to and from the Grand National, so people who aren't going to Aintree are
being warned that the network is likely to be very busy and people on the City
Line are advised to check before they travel if they usually use Northern
services.
The City Region's extensive bus network is being recommended as an alternative
transport option.
People who are intending to travel further afield will still be able to get
mainline services as other operators will be unaffected by the Industrial
action.
Said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel:- "The RMT have
effectively put us in a no win situation. In taking the difficult decision to
prioritise services to get people to and from 1 of the biggest events on
Merseyside and within the City Region; 1 that is enjoyed locally and globally, means that unfortunately
we have no choice but to disadvantage other people getting to work over the
weekend or wanting to enjoy their weekends. We are trying to limit the
disruption as far as possible, such as working with operators to strengthen bus
services and by ensuring people have the help and guidance they need in
considering their other options.
We are 100% convinced that these new trains will be safer than the ones they
replace in every way. They will transform people's travel, not least that they
will be a game changer for people who currently have to be assisted on and off."
Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Merseyrail's managing director, added:- "The
timetable we are running is designed to get as many people as possible safely to
the City Region's most popular event of the year. We realise that this means
reduced or no train services on other parts of the network, and we apologise for
non race goers who may not be able to take the train that day or whose journeys
will be less straightforward.
Whether the RMT likes it or not, new trains will be brought in over the next few
years. They will be safer and more secure, and our network overall will remain
one of the most generously staffed in the country. As well as continuing to
staff City Region stations throughout the times trains are running, roles will
be created to work on board the new trains, concentrating on customers' safety,
security and comfort."
» Key advice if you're travelling other than to get to
the Grand National:-
► There will be limited Merseyrail services focussed on getting people to and
from Aintree for the Grand National. These services are likely to be very busy.
► There will be mainline rail services in and out of the
City Region, but
services run by Northern will be reduced and run to a revised timetable.
► Affected rail services will start later and finish earlier. Don't be caught out.
Leave longer for your journey.
► You may want to consider other public
transport options. There is an extensive bus network across the City Region
► 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 and around Aintree.
►
Full details of Merseyrail services and rail replacement buses are on the
Merseyrail
website and on posters at all stations.
► For the latest on Northern services visit:-
NationalRail.Co.UK or
NorthernRailway.Co.UK.
For more travel options and advice visit by calling
Merseytravel if you need more help in planning your journeys on:- 0151 236 7676.
»
Summary of Merseyrail services for non race goers:-
► Trains running between Liverpool
City Centre and Hooton mid-morning till around
20.00, with no services for a few hours in the afternoon.
► Trains running between Liverpool
City Centre
and West Kirby mid morning till around 20.00, with no services for a few hours
in the afternoon.
► No trains to New Brighton.
► No trains between Hooton and Chester and
Hooton and Ellesmere Port.
► No trains between Liverpool
City Centre and
Hunts Cross.
► Very few train trains between Liverpool
City Centre and Southport.
► No trains to Kirkby.
► No trains between Aintree and Ormskirk. |
