Passengers are being warned that no trains will be running to or from Birmingham New Street station this Saturday (13 August) during industrial action by train drivers.
Members of the ASLEF union who work for multiple train companies across the country will strike for one day, including four out of five which serve Britain’s busiest station outside of London.
The advice from the four operators involved – Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway – is do not travel.
Although Transport for Wales (TfW), the fifth operator which serves New Street, is not involved in the strike its hourly service which runs through Birmingham New Street will terminate at either Shrewsbury or Wolverhampton.
TfW is advising customers to only travel between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury if their journey is essential as services are likely to be extremely busy.
For detailed advice from individual train companies please use the following links:
- Avanti West Coast’s information page
- West Midlands Railways’ information page
- London Northwestern Railway’s information page
- CrossCountry’s information page
- Transport for Wales’ information page
People will still be able to access the station concourse which provides a key pedestrian route across the city centre, but all ticket gates will be closed with no access to platforms. Network Rail staff will also be on hand to help.
Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “It’s frustrating and disappointing that Birmingham New Street will be closed this Saturday because of the train drivers’ strike. We will have staff on hand to help people passing through the station but please be patient on what will be a very difficult day for everyone. Our advice is to contact your train operator for the latest information on ticketing, services and refunds. The National Rail Enquiries website at www.nationalrail.co.uk is the best place to plan your journey for a different day.”
Chiltern Railways is not affected by the strike but is advising customers to only travel if absolutely essential because of the knock-on impact on its services.
Trains will be extremely busy and customers should expect delays and short notice cancellations on Chiltern Railways services
As this industrial action affects trains right across the country, people are also advised against travelling on other routes with limited services on most of the network.
All routes between London and the Midlands, the North and Scotland will be heavily impacted. The advice is to keep up-to-date with the latest at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with individual train operators.
The railway will reopen on Sunday 14 August and passengers should check before they travel for the latest information.
Photo credit: Network Rail
