Thousands of Aston Villa supporters are expected to flock to Birmingham city centre today to celebrate the team's Europa League Final victory, prompting a travel warning from Network Rail. The parade, scheduled between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on Thursday, May 21, will lead to significantly busier trains and stations throughout the day.
Services running before and after the parade are anticipated to be the most crowded. Birmingham New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street, Jewellery Quarter, and Five Ways stations will experience increased passenger numbers. Network Rail advises anyone traveling in or out of Birmingham to plan ahead, check before they travel, and allow extra time for their journeys.
Fans celebrating after the parade are reminded to check their last train times and not to rely on the final service, which may be exceptionally busy. The parade will also cause disruption to tram and bus networks, with road closures leading to heavy traffic and congestion.
Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail's Central route, stated: 'We are expecting trains and stations in Birmingham to be extra busy throughout today, especially in the city centre, as tens of thousands of fans celebrate Aston Villa's Europa League win. I would urge anyone planning to travel by train to plan ahead, check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys. We want everyone to get home safely after the event too so make sure you know your last trains and don't rely on the very last one as it may be even busier than normal.'
Sandeep Shingadia, executive director at Transport for West Midlands, added: 'We congratulate Aston Villa on their historic success and wish all their supporters an enjoyable afternoon of celebration with their heroes. To ensure the day goes well we urge anyone travelling in or around Birmingham city centre today to check the TfWM or individual transport operator's website and social media accounts for the latest travel updates and leave plenty of time for their journeys.'
Passengers can plan their journey and check before they travel at National Rail's website. For wider West Midlands travel information, including buses and trams, visit the TfWM website.
