West Midlands rail users travelling this Bank Holiday weekend are being urged to plan ahead, as trains across the CrossCountry network are expected to be significantly busier than usual.
From Friday 22 to Sunday 24 May, a combination of planned strike action affecting another train operator, major events and the Spring Bank Holiday is likely to mean busier trains than usual on key routes through Birmingham and the West Midlands.
CrossCountry is working closely with industry partners to keep customers moving and minimise disruption, but passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and check travel information before setting off.
Routes between Stafford, Birmingham, and Coventry, as well as between Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham and Tamworth, are expected to be among the busiest, as fewer services on other operators’ networks mean more customers travelling on CrossCountry trains.
Service Delivery Director Nick Westcott, said: “Across the West Midlands, we’re expecting a very busy Bank Holiday weekend with much-increased travel demand.
“We’re working closely with industry partners to get people where they need to be, but trains are likely to be much busier than usual. We ask customers to plan ahead, check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.”
With warm weather forecast, customers are also advised to bring water and be prepared for warmer conditions on busy services.
Separate strike action at Manchester Piccadilly may also mean the station is busier than usual on Saturday 23 May.
Additionally, some CrossCountry journeys will be impacted by engineering work – in particular between York and Darlington, and between Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
For the latest travel information and updates, visit the CrossCountry website or National Rail Enquiries.
Image credit: CrossCountry