On Trains & Buses

2024/5 Festive Season Transport Services in Merseyside

Posted on December 18, 2024

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This is now retained for historical record. For 2025/6 information, consult the latest guide for festive services.

Merseytravel has announced its arrangements for public transport across Merseyside during the festive period, with special provisions to maintain essential connectivity throughout the Christmas and New Year season.

Christmas Day Special Services

This year, Merseytravel is providing free bus services across Merseyside on Christmas Day, operated by Stagecoach. Ten dedicated routes will maintain vital connections between key locations, including hospitals, town centres, and residential areas. These services will operate approximately hourly, with most routes running from around midday until early evening.

The network includes essential connections such as the 10A between Liverpool and St Helens, serving communities via Page Moss and Whiston, and the 201 linking Liverpool with Speke via the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Hospital access has been prioritised, with dedicated services like the 102 connecting Broadgreen Hospital to Aintree University Hospital, and routes H2 and H3 providing circular services around St Helens and Whiston Hospital.

Boxing Day Services

Public transport returns on Boxing Day with limited operations. Train services will resume with special timetables on both Northern and Wirral lines, though with reduced stopping patterns. Bus operators will run modified schedules across the region.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

Regular services will operate on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, though with earlier final departures than usual. Train services will conclude between 20:00 and 21:00 on both evenings. The Mersey Tunnels will remain operational throughout the period, with toll charges suspended from 22:00 on December 24^th until 06:00 on December 26^th.

New Year’s Day

On January 1^st, 2025, most public transport will operate Sunday service levels across the network. This includes both bus and rail services throughout Merseyside.

Mersey Ferries

River transport services will be suspended on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. However, River Explorer Cruises will operate between December 28^th and 31^st, with departures from Pier Head between 11:00 and 15:00. Passengers should note that Woodside Ferry Terminal remains closed for refurbishment during this period.

Customer Support

The Merseytravel Customer Contact Centre will maintain modified hours throughout the festive period. The service will be closed on Christmas Day, with reduced hours (08:00-18:00) on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Regular service hours resume from January 2^nd.

Transport users are advised to check the Merseytravel website for any last-minute alterations to scheduled services during the festive period. All Merseytravel Travel Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, and passengers should note that no regular bus or rail services will operate on December 25^th.