Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram is urging people to follow national advice about essential travel as changes to public transport services are set to be introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep services running.

City region transport operators have been reviewing services and timetables in light of a reduction in passenger numbers due to people following the national advice and with a view to being able to continue to provide a resilient and appropriate level of service to support those who need to travel for essential reasons.

Customers are also being encouraged to pay by contactless where they can and to use cash as a last resort to help reduce risk for drivers and other customers.

People are also being strongly advised to follow Public Health England’s guidance to protect themselves and others that includes washing hands more regularly and thoroughly, particularly when arriving at home or work and before eating.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“We find ourselves in very challenging times and I am strongly urging people to continue to follow the national advice to only use public transport for essential journeys.

“During this serious situation which has ramifications for both the number of travellers and staff, revised timetables are being introduced.

“However, I fully appreciate that we have city region residents who do need to travel, especially if they carry out essential services for our communities, and we will support them to get to where they need to be.

“I pay tribute to those workers in the transport sector, and indeed across all our public services, who are doing everything they can to provide those services in difficult circumstances.”

As there are likely to be more changes in the coming weeks, customers are advised to keep checking both the national government advice and transport operators websites and social media platforms for the most up to date timetables and to plan ahead.

Rail services:

Merseyrail:

From Thursday 19 March, Merseyrail services will be running every 30 minutes on all lines from start of service. All trains will be made up of six-car carriages to keep the Liverpool City Region moving enable social distancing and ensure we are providing the most reliable service possible.

Monday to Saturday services will be running from their regular start time with a 30-minute frequency, with services on Sundays staying the same.

There are likely to be further amendments to the timetable over the coming weeks and customers should check before you travel.

Other rail operators:

There may be changes to other train operators timetables and customers should direct before they travel.

Merseyrail  @merseyrail

Northern @northernassist

Transpennine Express @TPEassist

Avanti West Coast @avantiwestcoast

Bus services:

From Monday 23 March Stagecoach services will be running to revised timetables. Customers should check their website for the most up to date information.

Arriva are reviewing services in light of the national guidance for public transport and social distancing and will let customers know of any changes.

Stagecoach @stagecoachMCSL

Arriva @arrivanorthwest

Mersey Ferries:

Mersey Ferries are running please keep checking the Mersey Ferries website and @merseytravel for the latest information.

Mersey Tunnels:

The Queensway (Birkenhead) and Kingsway (Wallasey) Mersey Tunnels are currently open.

You can also stay connected by visiting Mersytravel’s travel updates page.

For the latest national information and guidance in relation to the Coronavirus please visit gov.uk and Public Health England websites.