Mersey Tunnels to introduce faster tap and go payment system

AN improved tap and go card payment system will be rolled out in the Mersey Tunnels from next week as part of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's wider modernisation programme for the vital cross river route.

The new contactless system will almost halve the transaction time for card payments; improving traffic flow on the toll plaza during busy periods and cutting air pollution.

Backed by customer feedback, the new system will replace previous card payment devices introduced in 2019.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:- "With over 80,000 journeys a day, the tunnels are critical to the social and economic wellbeing of our Region, so continued investment is needed to keep them running both efficiently and safely. This includes:- investing in modern technology as well as ensuring the year-round maintenance programme takes place to keep the tunnels open. We've ensured that the upgrade can be completed without having to close the plazas and I'd like to thank users for their patience while the upgrade is completed."

The upgrade will begin at the Queensway (Birkenhead) and Kingsway (Wallasey) Tunnels from Monday, 18 November, when card payment machines will be gradually installed in all lanes.

As Mersey Tunnel teams will be working on the plaza, tunnel users are advised to drive carefully, leave more time for their journey and look out for the correct lane signage on the plaza during the transition.

A T FLOW account remains the most convenient way to pay, whether it's for daily or occasional journeys, with a discounted rate available for people living in the Liverpool City Region. Indeed, this work will see more T FLOW only lanes in use across both plazas. It's quick and easy to apply online and is available to use for payment within 30 minutes.

Merseyrail announces special festive timetable to keep the city region moving over the Christmas and New Year Period

MERSEYRAIL has announced its Christmas and New Year timetable, designed to keep customers connected throughout the festive season. Trains will run every day, except on Christmas Day, with Merseyrail's popular Boxing Day service returning to support those attending events or heading out to indulge in retail therapy in the sales. This despite large parts of the UK rail network being closed on 26th December, with Merseyrail aiming to make travelling around the City Region over the Christmas and New Year period easier than ever. The City Region rail operator's stations will, as usual, be getting into the Christmas spirit with a range of events planned to include choirs, carol singers and other surprises, aiming to spread the spirit of the season to all those that travel through them.

Merseyrail Christmas and New Year service highlights:-

• Christmas Eve (Tuesday, 24 December)
   

• Services will run throughout the day, with last trains departing around 20:30.
   

• Christmas Day (Wednesday, 25 December)
   

• No services will operate.
   

• Boxing Day (Thursday, 26 December) 9:00 to 18:00, with trains calling at selected stations across the network. Additional services will be available between:- Liverpool and Aintree to support those attending the Boxing Day races.
   

• New Year's Eve (Tuesday, 31 December)
   

• Services will operate as usual, with last trains departing around 20:00.
   

• New Year's Day (Wednesday, 1 January)
   

• Merseyrail's special Boxing Day service will run from approx every 30 minute Sunday, service will run across all lines, helping customers kick off the New Year with ease.
   

• Full details of 1st and last departures on the dates listed are available on the Merseyrail website and journey planner. Customers can also speak to staff at any staffed ticket office.
   

• Services on all other days will operate to the normal timetable, unless stated.

Suzanne Grant, Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- "We're delighted to once again operate our Boxing Day service, making it easy for customers to reach local events and enjoy the holiday sales. We know from previous years that being able to offer a service to our customers on Boxing Day is really helpful and we hope that our festive timetable will help everyone make the most of this special time of year."

Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee added:- "It's fantastic news that we can buck the trend across the rest of the country and once again put together a timetable for Boxing Day services this year. Working with Merseyrail to ensure these services are provided really highlights the benefits of devolved rail services and making decisions locally for the benefit of our city region residents. This allows people to get around much easier at this special time of year; whether it's for shopping, leisure, sporting events or just to visit friends and family. There are often some changes to services over the Christmas and New Year period, so we would encourage those intending to travel by rail to plan ahead for their journey on this day and the rest of the holidays.”

For full timetables and to plan your holiday journeys, visit the Merseyrail website, and use the journey planner.