Merseyrail has announced it will boost train services between Liverpool Central and Hoylake during The Open in July, helping thousands of golf fans get to and from the event.
More than 250,000 spectators are expected to attend the international sporting event over the course of the week from Sunday 16 July to Sunday 23 July.
A 10-minute service between Hoylake and Liverpool Central line will run for five days at peak times from Wednesday 19 July to Sunday 23 July. This will ensure the greatest capacity and minimum waiting time for passengers and allow spectators to get to the course on time.
The 10-minute service between Hoylake and Liverpool Central will be scheduled for the morning and late afternoon each day.
There will be no trains between West Kirby and Hoylake from approximately 1900 on Wednesday 12 July until Tuesday 25 July. This is due to walkways being placed over the rail tracks at Hoylake station for The Open participants to access practice grounds and the golf course. Pedestrian walkways over the tracks will provide level access to ensure that thousands of spectators can exit the station safely. These arrangements were in place the last time Royal Liverpool hosted The Open and have been proven to work successfully.
A rail replacement bus service will operate between West Kirby and Hoylake throughout this period.
Manor Road station will close mid-afternoon each day from Wednesday 19 July – Sunday 23 July. This is to ensure the special timetable can operate effectively.
To accommodate the extra trains needed to support the event, there will be a reduced timetable for passengers on the New Brighton and Ellesmere Port lines.
From Wednesday 19 July to Saturday 22 July there will be a 20-minute service between New Brighton and Liverpool Central, and a 30-minute service will be in operation between Ellesmere Port and Hooton.
On Sunday 23 July there will be no New Brighton services, and a rail replacement bus service will operate. A 30-minute service will be in operation between Ellesmere Port and Hooton.
Merseyrail will not be affected by any industrial action during this period.
Passengers should check before travelling by using the journey planner at merseyrail.org, where all train and rail replacement bus services are listed and leave more time for their journey as there may be queues.
The full details of services for the period can be viewed on the Merseyrail website, at www.merseyrail.org/theopen
Jane English, Acting Managing Director of Merseyrail, said:
“Once again the city region is hosting a huge international event with thousands of people coming to the area to enjoy themselves.
“Merseyrail will ensure that we provide the best possible service for fans travelling to and from Royal Liverpool Golf Club, as well considering the need of our regular users.
“Station staff will be on hand to help and advise passengers, provide information and support people getting to where they need to be.
“We have worked hard to ensure that we have a robust plan in place to support the huge numbers of people who will rely on the Merseyrail network during this week. However, this has meant that some parts of the Wirral line will see a reduction in the usual level of their services.
“We would like to apologise to passengers who are adversely affected during this period.
“We would urge everyone travelling on the Merseyrail network during the week of The Open, to check before travelling and to use the journey planner at merseyrail.org”
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