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All Liverpool City Region
travellers advised to plan ahead of rail strikes as Open Golf starts
AS the Open Golf and the worlds
sporting legends and media arrive in Southport, Merseyrail Services have issued
a warning to all travellers planning to use the trains within the Liverpool City
Region. The are now being urged to plan their journeys and check before they
travel ahead of strike action, that will take place on both the Merseyrail
Network on and Northern Services in on Saturday, 8 July 2017 and on Monday, 9
July 2017, on the Merseyrail Network. Also Northern Services will be affected on
Saturday, 8 July, Sunday, 9 July and Monday, 10 July 2017. While train users
will be most directly impacted, the whole transport network is expected to be
busier as people find other ways to travel. Most Merseyrail services are planned
to run every ½ hour, from around 7am to 7pm and services will not stop at some
Stations. Passengers are strongly advised to check the Merseyrail
website
and Twitter, feed before travelling, as it is possible that timetables will
change prior to, as well as during, strike action. Services by other mainline
train operators will continue to run as normal. 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.
► Rail 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
running 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.
► If you have no option, but to drive, consider car sharing.
► Speak to your employer about whether there is any flexibility in working
times or the possibility of working from home.
Said Jan Chaudhry-van der Velde, Managing Director at Merseyrail:- "The
Merseyrail team has put together the best possible timetable that we can to
provide a limited train service on both strike days. I would urge all our
customers to check before they travel."
Sharon Keith, Regional Director at Northern said:- "We are doing
everything we can to keep our customers on the move during the 3 days of
industrial action affecting our network. We will be running more than 40% of our
usual services, but those trains that do run will be on an amended timetable and
are likely to be extremely busy. We ask our customers to plan carefully, allow
extra time for travel, and to consider whether their journeys are necessary."
Said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive of Merseytravel:- "While rail
travellers will be most directly affected, other people travelling in and around
the City Region are likely to be impacted. That's why we are asking everyone who
travels in the City Region, either on the:- train, bus, ferry or in a car, to plan
ahead, check timetables and allow more time for their journeys."
Information about services for yet more industrial action, that is due to take
place on Sunday, 23 July 2017 will be published on the Merseyrail
website
and on here nearer the time.
If you need additional help in planning your
journeys call Merseytravel on:- 0151 330 1000.
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