CHANGES to public transport timetables in Merseyside are being introduced from tomorrow, in response to the coronavirus pandemic and to keep services running.

It follows calls from Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram for people to follow Government advice on essential travel.

City region transport operators have reviewed services and timetables in light of a reduction in passenger numbers due to people following Government advice about staying at home 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.

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."

The changes are, as follows:

Rail services

From Thursday (March 19), 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 trave.

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

For updates follow @merseyrail, Northern Rail @northernassist, Transpennine Express @TPEassist and Avanti West Coast @avantiwestcoast

For updates see www.merseyrail.org

Bus services

From Monday, 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.

For updates follow Stagecoach @stagecoachMCSL and Arriva @arrivanorthwest

Mersey Ferries

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

Mersey Tunnels

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

You can also stay up-to-date on Mersytravel’s travel updates page.

Merseyrail's managing director Andy Heath said: "The safety of our staff and customers is of the upmost importance and these measures have been taken to ensure that we continue to provide a reliable, consistent service train service so essential workers can still travel around the Liverpool City Region.

"Merseyrail, alongside the rest of the UK rail industry, is being proactive in its response to this pandemic, ensuring the latest government advice is shared with staff, including reminding people about good hand hygiene and keeping surfaces clean.

"When travelling by train, if you need to cough or sneeze, they should make sure they follow the Public Health England advice to 'catch it, bin it, kill it'."

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