Rail strikes this weekend
July 27, 2022
A rail strike has been announced for this upcoming weekend which will affect rail services on Saturday 30 July and Sunday 31 July.
As a result, the number of train services able to run will be limited with some parts of the network unfortunately not having any service. The hours of operation across the network will also be reduced to ensure essential rail freight services can operate.
We expect trains that are running to be extremely busy and that there will be considerable disruption throughout the weekend.
We are advising colleagues to consider their travel options and avoid travelling by rail where possible during this time. If travel by train is essential, colleagues are being urged to allow significant extra time and check journey details in advance.
For information about specific rail journeys, delay repay, and refunds please use nationalrailenquiries.co.uk.
Plan Ahead: Check before you travel. If you’re a rail user plan your journey based on current information available but be prepared to change your plans as timetables may be different on or during a strike day, information on services can be found at www.nationalrail.co.uk
How the rail strikes affect the Commonwealth Games:
- The Marathon will be taking place on Saturday morning. The route starts in the city centre travels south out to Bournville and Stirchley before returning to the centre. Road closures will be in place.
- Events at Smithfield and Arena Birmingham continue adding further pressure to the network in the city centre.
- Cricket is taking place at Edgbaston and Hockey and Squash on at the University so routes out to the south of the city will be under additional pressure.
- The Rugby 7s at Coventry Stadium will see large numbers of spectators in the area.
- Some rail station car parks will be used as dedicated Games park and ride sites for spectators on 30th and 31st July. These include: Longbridge, Bromsgrove, Four Oaks (31st only), Rowley Regis, Wolverhampton and Warwick Parkway. These station car parks will not be available for public use on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July.
- Wylde Green Station car park is also closed for Games operations on 29 and 31 July
Bus services:
- Bus may be an alternative for you on rail strike day, with an extensive bus network across the West Midlands to plan your journey please go to tfwm.org.uk
Metro services:
- Metro may be an alternative for you during the rail strikes, depending on the location you are travelling from. To plan your journey please go to tfwm.org.uk
Walking and cycling:
- Depending on your journey, cycling may be an option. Please visit cyclestreets.net to plan your journey by bike
- For detailed cycle routes in the West Midlands please go to Find cycle routes in the West Midlands | Transport for West Midlands (tfwm.org.uk)
- Consider walking for short journeys or walking further to get to alternative public transport options if appropriate.
- Consider using West Midlands Cycle Hire which are located in the main centres across the West Midlands. For more details on these locations please click on the map Station map – West Midlands Cycle Hire (wmcyclehire.co.uk).