Following the Government’s announcement that the Liverpool City Region will be placed in Tier 2 restrictions from 2 December, Merseyrail will be increasing its services from Saturday 5 December.

From Saturday 5 December, services between Liverpool Central and Southport will be increased to a 15-minute frequency Monday to Saturday, with trains continuing to operate every 30 minutes on Sundays.

Services between Southport and Hunts Cross will terminate at Liverpool Central, meaning passengers will not be able to travel directly between the stations and will have to change at Liverpool. Ormskirk trains will start and terminate at Hunts Cross.

Ormskirk and Kirkby lines – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday
Hunts Cross line – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday
Chester and Ellesmere Port lines – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday (15-minute service between Hooton and Liverpool)
West Kirby and New Brighton lines – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday (15-minute service between Birkenhead North and Liverpool)

Passengers who would prefer to travel on six-car carriages can visit this webpage to check which services are operating as six-car-trains in advance.

Travel Advice
From Wednesday 2 December, government-issued travel advice is that passengers can travel with confidence by following the advice below:

Avoid peak travel if you can (between 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-18:30)
Allow extra time for your journey
Face coverings must be worn at all times at stations or on trains, unless exempt. Maximum fines of £6,400 can be issued by British Transport Police for those refusing to comply
Use contactless payments where possible
Wash or sanitise hands as soon as possible before and after travel
Remain seated where you can
Maintain social distancing where possible
Follow advice from staff and be considerate to other passengers
Do not use public transport if you, or a member of your household, has COVID-19 symptoms or you have been instructed to self-isolate.
Aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible.