Merseyrail reduces services due to wheel bearing faults

An increase in wheel bearing faults has forced Merseyrail to withdraw trains and reduce services.

On most routes, 15-minute frequencies have been cut to halfhourly, three-coach formations running instead of six. Some services using the 40-year-old Class 507 and ‘508’ stock have been abandoned altogether with bus replacements laid on.

In the meantime, new replacement Stadler Class 777 electric multiple units from Switzerland and Poland remain at locations such as Kirkdale depot, while driver only/guard issues are resolved with the unions.

Merseyrail Managing Director Andy Heath apologised to passengers, but did not give a date when the wheel bearing fault will be fully overcome. He said that as trains are repaired, they will be used to strengthen services at peak times.

From June 13, trains have only been running every 30 minutes on the Ormskirk, Kirkby, Hunts Cross, New Brighton, West Kirby, Chester, and Ellesmere Port lines, but every 15 minutes between

Southport and Liverpool Central.

On four other routes from Moorfield to Spital, Birkenhead North, Maghull and Waterloo, buses are being provided in case services become overcrowded.

The operator said that from June 20 (as this issue of RAIL was going to press), it was planning to reinstate a 15-minute service on most parts of its network.