Strike Action Disrupts Services on Two Days
Passengers travelling on West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway are being warned of severe timetable cuts on Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July, as members of the TSSA trade union go on strike. The industrial action will mean no services at all on some routes and reduced timetables across both days, coinciding with a heatwave that is expected to bring temperatures of up to 33°C on Friday and 30°C on Saturday.
Friday and Saturday Service Changes
On Friday, no West Midlands Railway trains will run after 7pm, with final services departing from around 5pm. On Saturday, services will start later than usual, from around 7am. The reduced schedules are expected to lead to busier-than-normal conditions at key stations, including Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Snow Hill, Birmingham Moor Street, and surrounding stations. Queuing systems will be implemented where necessary to manage passenger flow.
Heatwave Adds to Disruption Risk
The high temperatures forecast for the region are also a concern, as hot weather can put extra strain on railway infrastructure. Network Rail's Central route director, Martin Colmey, said: “With high temperatures forecast across the region, passengers should plan ahead, check before they travel, and carry water with them while travelling. Hot weather can put extra strain on railway infrastructure, so while our teams will be working hard to keep trains moving safely, there is a higher risk of disruption, delays or last-minute changes. Industrial action will also affect some services on Friday and Saturday, with reduced timetables and busier stations on parts of the network. Please check the latest travel information before setting off, allow extra time for your journey, and be prepared for services to be busier than usual.”
Additional Disruption on Sunday
London Northwestern Railway passengers travelling on the West Coast Main Line via Northampton this Sunday should also plan ahead, as Network Rail carries out planned vegetation management work between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby until 7pm. No trains will run between Milton Keynes Central and Rugby via Northampton during the work, with rail replacement buses in operation.
Passengers Urged to Plan Ahead
Passengers are urged to check before they travel, allow extra time for their journeys, and carry water. The combination of strike action and hot weather increases the likelihood of delays and last-minute changes, so travellers should stay informed via official channels.
