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.
CrossCountry’s 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.
Additionally, some CrossCountry journeys will be impacted by engineering work – in particular between York and Darlington, and between Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
To ensure as smooth a journey as possible over the Bank Holiday, customers should:
- Check before travelling on the CrossCountry website or at www.nationalrail.co.uk
- Allow extra time, particularly when travelling through Birmingham New Street
- Be aware that trains may be busier than usual and queuing systems may be in place at some stations
- Follow guidance from railway colleagues at stations and onboard
CrossCountry customers delayed by 30 minutes or more may be entitled to compensation through Delay Repay.
For the latest travel information and updates, visit the CrossCountry website or National Rail Enquiries.
Contact Information
CrossCountry Press Office
[email protected]About CrossCountry
CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.
For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains
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