Thousands expected to flock to Mersey beaches as Merseyrail doubles Sunday service on Southport line

Merseyrail will run a 15-minute Sunday service on the Southport line throughout the summer, starting on Sunday 28 May.

Thousands of people across the city region flock to beaches along the Mersey coastline every summer, and to ensure everyone gets the best possible services, Merseyrail will boost the line from two trains an hour up to four trains an hour.

Formby, Freshfields, Ainsdale, and Southport are always popular with families and bathers and as the weather begins to brighten Merseyrail will be the best way to get to and from the beach.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said: “Summer's nearly here and we know there will be thousands of people eager to get out and about in the sunshine. We’re putting on extra Sunday services to make sure people don’t have to wait as long to get out there and sample the best of what our region has to offer.

“Hopefully we will have some lovely weather to enjoy, and Merseyrail will be there to make the day as effortless and enjoyable as possible.”

The increased Sunday timetable will run from Sunday 28 May until Sunday 3 September. Trains will run every 15 minutes from approximately 10:00, until the end of service between Southport and Liverpool Central. The service will remain as two trains per hour between Hunts Cross and Southport.

On Sunday 4 June, essential engineering work will be taking place between Hillside and Southport. Rail replacement buses will be in operation between Hillside station and Southport station, calling at Birkdale station.

Passengers should check their travel time by using the journey planner at Merseyrail.org.