The Liverpool City Region’s transport network is gearing up to tackle the many challenges that winter can throw at it – we're also urging passengers to play their part by planning ahead.
The Combined Authority and partners have activated their annual winter weather plans and preparations, to help make sure the transport network continues moving smoothly and safely – including on Merseyrail, at bus stations and interchanges, on Mersey Ferries and at the Mersey Tunnels.
Everyone fromfront line staff to transport planners are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the network is as resilient as possible in the event of weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, ice, snow and freezing temperatures.
Preparations include making sure grit supplies are topped up and ready to go, checking equipment, updating travel information systems, and ensuring staff are ready to respond quickly to any disruption.
WeatherWise: essential travel advice, whatever the weather
To help ensure smooth journeys, passengers are urged to follow this advice:
- Plan Ahead: Whether you are heading out for leisure, commuting to work or travelling to visit friends and family, key information and advice is now available to help you plan your journeys. We expect some services to be busier than usual.
- Check Timetables: Make sure to check timetables ahead of and on your day of travel in case there are any changes – in particular check last bus and train times. Merseytravel and operators will use their websites and social media to publish changes made at short notice.
- Consider Your Options and Leave Extra Time: There will be changes to services, so services may be busier than expected. Think about staggering your travel times and have a plan B in case you can’t get the service you planned for. Please allow more time for your journey as poor weather conditions can impact travel times across all transport. In particular, don’t wait for the last scheduled train or bus home as these can often be very busy.
- Buy Tickets in Advance and Online: If possible, buying travel tickets in advance and online will speed up your journey and help you avoid queues on the day.
- Consider Multimodal Tickets: Tickets that can be used over different modes of transport, such as Saveaways, will give you more options for your journey.
- Be Kind to Staff: Please be kind and respectful to transport staff. Remember they are working really hard to get you to where you need to be.
For the latest travel information, passengers should regularly check the Merseytravel website or get in touch with the customer contact centre on 0300 131 2881, on X by messaging @Merseytravel or via email at [email protected].
Transport Information
A summary of transport information and some of the measures being taken to keep people moving safely can be found below.
For the most detailed and up-to-date guidance, people should regularly check operator websites and social media channels as services can be subject to last minute changes.
Merseyrail
Efforts are focused on preventing the build-up of ice on the third rail, a common cause of winter disruption. This includes running empty "ghost trains" overnight and early in the mornings to clear the rails, the application of anti-icing agents, and the readiness of rolling stock to operate in the cold.
Make sure you check the Merseyrail website before you travel, particularly on mornings where cold weather is forecast.
@merseyrail - www.merseyrail.org
Mainline Services
Several operators offer services into Lime Street station from Manchester, Wigan, Warrington, Crewe and beyond. Make sure you check with operators for any potential disruptions or engineering works before travelling.
@northernassist - www.northernrailway.co.uk
@TPEassist - www.tpexpress.co.uk
@avantiwestcoast - www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk
@LNRailway - www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk
@tfwrail - www.tfwrail.wales
@eastmidrailway - www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk
Bus operators and maintenance teams are preparing their fleets for the cold, while Merseytravel hubs staff are ensuring bus stations and interchanges remain safe and operational, with gritting and snow clearance plans in place.
@arrivanorthwest - www.arrivabus.co.uk
@StagecoachMCSL - www.stagecoachbus.com
The Ferries team will monitor river conditions and weather forecasts closely, with contingency plans for any necessary service changes due to high winds or poor conditions on the River Mersey.
Make sure you check the Mersey Ferries website before you travel. If you're a regular commuter, why not sign-up for our commuter text alerts that will keep you informed on any disruption to services?
Please text FERRY to 81025 to be added to the Commuter Club and receive free text messages when there is a disruption to the ferry sailings. To 'sign up' or 'stop' Mersey Ferry Commuter Club alerts, each text will cost 8p, network rates may apply.
The Mersey Tunnels Police and Tunnels operations staff are at the forefront of keeping the Kingsway and Queensway Tunnels moving safely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their preparations include equipment and vehicle checks, gritting the highway and putting in place emergency response procedures for adverse weather.
Remember, you can sign-up for a T-FLOW account to help speed up travel through the tunnels – and if you’re a Liverpool city region resident, you can make a saving on the regular toll price.