Severe travel chaos has gripped the rail network this morning as heavy snowfall from Storm Goretti blankets large parts of the country. Multiple train operators have been forced to suspend services or implement drastically reduced timetables, with passengers being strongly advised to avoid journeys where possible.
Operator-by-Operator Breakdown of the Disruption
West Midlands Railway has been hit particularly hard, with the operator unable to run any services at all. The company confirmed that no trains or replacement buses are currently operating. Key routes between Walsall and Wolverhampton, Birmingham International and Rugeley Trent Valley, and Lichfield Trent Valley and Bromsgrove are all affected. Passengers are being advised that they cannot travel until later this afternoon. As an alternative, tickets are being accepted on the Midland Metro tram service between Wolverhampton and Birmingham Snow Hill at no extra cost.
Chiltern Railways is operating a significantly reduced service, running just 50% of its normal Friday timetable. A limited hourly service will operate in each direction on core routes including Birmingham Moor Street to London Marylebone and London to Oxford. However, there will be no service north of Birmingham Moor Street or on the line to Stratford-upon-Avon. Several stations, including Hatton and Kings Sutton, will not be served. Critically, the operator has stated that rail replacement buses are not running due to dangerous road conditions. Tickets for travel on Thursday, January 8, or Friday, January 9, can be used on Saturday, January 10, or refunded.
CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast Advisories
CrossCountry is urging passengers to postpone their journeys today and to check their entire route before setting out. The operator has suspended services on several key routes, including between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly, and Birmingham New Street and Cardiff Central. A reduced hourly frequency is in place on other lines, such as services from Birmingham to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Customers with tickets dated for January 8 or 9 can use them at any time up to and including Monday, January 12.
Avanti West Coast has issued a stark 'do not travel' warning for its Midlands routes until 1pm on Friday, January 9. The company is running an amended timetable across all routes until 3pm, when it hopes to resume a normal service. Passengers are strongly recommended to travel after 3pm if possible. Like other operators, Avanti is allowing flexibility, permitting tickets dated for January 8 or 9 to be used on the same route up to Monday, January 12. Tickets are also being accepted on several other train operators, including CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, and London Northwestern Railway.
Wider Travel Advice and Passenger Guidance
The overarching message from all rail companies and transport authorities is clear: avoid travel unless absolutely essential. The combination of heavy snow and freezing conditions has made both rail and road networks treacherous. Passengers who must travel are advised to allow substantial extra time, expect further last-minute cancellations, and wrap up warmly given the potential for extended waits. The disruption is expected to last for much of the day, with operators aiming for a return to normal by the afternoon as the worst of Storm Goretti's snowfall passes.
