The Mersey Ferries will return to the river as weekday commuter services resume from this Thursday, 14 May.
The announcement comes as more people are expected to travel and return to work this week following the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding a limited easing of lockdown restrictions.
The Mersey Ferries were temporarily suspended during lockdown due to a significant decrease in demand, which saw only a handful of passengers on each service.
However, that demand is expected to increase as some people return to work and the ferries will provide an important option for cross-river river travel for those that need it.
The commuter service runs between Seacombe and Liverpool, from 07:20 hours to 10:00 hours and again from 16:00 to 19:00 hours.
Mersey Tunnel tolls
Thursday 14 May will also see the Mersey Tunnel tolls re-instated from 6am, following a suspension to support key workers making essential journeys. Now that lockdown restrictions are easing, and non-essential traffic has seen the doubling of journeys, tolls will be reinstated, and there will be no increase this financial year.
Tunnel customers will be asked to pay by Fast tag, contactless bank card, or the exact cash amount as staff will be unable to give change, to protect both customers and staff.
The temporary relaxation of the byelaws that also allowed cyclists to make essential journeys through the Queensway (Birkenhead) tunnel will now also be removed for safety reasons, due to the increased volume of traffic. The reinstated Mersey Ferry service will provide an alternative option to cross the river for cyclists.
In addition, the temporary lifting of the 9.30am concessionary travel restrictions will also be removed from Thursday 14 May to reduce demand during peak times.
Social distancing should still be observed, and government guidance followed, including face coverings where appropriate.
Merseytravel is continuing to work closely with the Government and transport operators on plans to increase the capacity of public transport services, as safely as possible, as further national guidance is issued and clarified. Further information on this will be released as it becomes available.
