Due to planned industrial action by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union, Merseyrail has had to make changes to its timetables between the 24th December and 27th December.

The train operator had planned to run a 30-minute service across the network on 26 December, but this is no longer possible following the industrial action announced by the RMT.

This also means that the last trains on Christmas Eve will now finish earlier than originally planned. Final services will run at approximately 16:30 on 24 December. 

These changes to the planned service, will remain in place even if the industrial action is called off, as railway rostering arrangements mean that it will be impossible to reinstate services at short notice.

As is normally the case during industrial action, there will be no rail replacement buses in operation. Those needing to travel after 16.30 on the 24 December or at any point on 26 December are advised to make alternative travel arrangements. 

As previously announced, there will be no train services on Christmas Day. 

There will be a normal weekday service on 27 December, with trains starting when the industrial action ends, at approximately 07:30. A limited rail replacement bus service will be in operation from the busiest stations prior to 07.30. 

As is usually the case on New Year’s Eve, services will finish at approximately 20:00 and on New Year’s Day a 30-minute Sunday service will run.

Passengers are advised to visit the Merseyrail website for full details or speak to a member of station staff.

Further industrial action is planned for 3 and 4 January, and 6 and 7 January. Details on what services Merseyrail will be providing on these dates will be published as soon as they are available.

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