Tram and train services in North West severely disrupted due to record-breaking heatwave
Tram and train services across the North West have been severely disrupted as the region experiences extreme temperatures in the heatwave.
Temperatures could climb to 38C on Tuesday, 19 July, after the Met Office issued their first ever red weather warning for heat in the UK.
Several records were broken on Monday, which was the hottest day of the year so far, the warmest night on record, and the third hottest day on record with temperatures.
Railways and roads in the region have already been affected by the heat, and people have been urged people to only travel if absolutely necessary.
Damage to overhead power cables on the Bury and Rochdale lines means MetroLink trams have been suspended between some stops.
On the Bury line there is no service operating between Bury and Victoria.
A spokesperson from MetroLink say tickets and passes are being accepted on the 97, 98, 135, 524 bus services.
While on the Rochdale line there are no services operating between Newton Heath and Moston and Victoria.
Ticket acceptance is in place on the 59, 81, 83, 181, 182, 184 bus services and Northern services between Rochdale and Manchester City Centre.
Meanwhile, services on the Blackpool tramway have been suspended due to overhead line problems.
A spokesperson said: "Teams are working to get this fixed as quickly as possible so we can return to service."
Rail passengers in the region are being advised to plan ahead, with conditions impacting journeys for the duration of the heatwave.
A number of Transpennine services have been cancelled, while Avanti West Coast says it is running far fewer services, with many cancelled at short notice, or delayed by up to 40 minutes.
Passengers are being urged to regularly check National Rail Enquiries before they set off on their journey.
Merseyrail say the extremely high temperatures are causing a number of heat related problems to Network Rail track and equipment.
As a result, they say the number of Merseyrail trains running and journey times will be seriously affected.
Additionally, some routes will be closed completely. There are no trains running between Kirkby and Liverpool Central due to hot weather conditions.
On the West Kirby and New Brighton lines, services will only run between Birkenhead North and Liverpool city centre with a 15-minute frequency.
No rail replacement buses will run.
Chester and Ellesmere Port services will only run between Rock Ferry and Liverpool city centre again with a 15-minute frequency and no rail replacement buses will run.
A 15-minute service will operate on the Southport to Hunts Cross line. There will be a limited service at the Bank Hall, Hightown, Hall Road and Hillside stations which will have a 30-minute service.
On the Hunts Cross line, services will start and terminate at Liverpool South Parkway. Rail replacement buses will continue to run between Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross stations.
On the Kirkby line no train services or rail replacement buses will run.
On the Ormskirk line a normal service will operate.
All of these changes will be in place from the start to end of service on Tuesday 19 July.
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