West Midlands football focus means busy trains and stations: Birmingham New Street - departure boards

Tuesday 22 Oct 2024

West Midlands football focus means busy trains and stations

Region & Route:
North West & Central
| North West & Central: Central

A hat-trick of home matches on the same day for Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Walsall means trains and stations are expected to be extra busy as thousands of fans make their way to and from stadiums.  

Champions League, League One and League Two matches against Bologna, Bolton Wanderers and Carlisle United all kick-off within 15 minutes of each other tonight (22 October) in a set of fixtures which will see six sets of fans travelling at the same time.

Birmingham New Street, Aston and Witton stations, as well as trains between them, are expected to be particularly busy as fans make their way to and from Villa Park, St Andrew’s and the Bescot Stadium.

Passengers are being urged to plan ahead and check before they travel to avoid any travel own goals on the day. They should know the times of the last few trains and not rely on the last train of the day to get home.

Steven Ireland, head of stations, security and customer relationship management for Network Rail’s Central route, said “Our station team at Birmingham New Street is ready to help football fans get to and from their matches smoothly.

“With three local fixtures all landing on the same evening, it’s important that passengers plan ahead, allow themselves extra time to get to their destination and know the time of their train home.

“Check before you travel at nationalrail.co.uk or with your train operator so you have the latest travel information.” 

Lucy Wootton, head of Grand Railway Collaboration, said: “We’re expecting the rail network to be busier than normal from early this evening with football fans and commuters heading in and out of the city.

“Make sure you plan ahead, allow plenty of time for your journey and please be patient and kind to your fellow passengers and train crew.”

Chief inspector Christopher Hodgkiss from British Transport Police said: “We’re expecting Birmingham to be busy, so our officers will be on hand and on patrol throughout the day to deter anti-social behaviour and ensure everyone can travel safely to and from the games.

“If you have any concerns or see something that doesn’t look right, speak to an officer or text British Transport Police on 61016.”

Passengers should remain vigilant while travelling on the rail network and report any concerns to a member of staff, or the British Transport Police by phoning 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016. In an emergency always dial 999.

The latest travel information is available at www.nationalrail.co.uk or @NationalRailEnq or @WestMidRailway on X. 

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
Please visit National Rail Enquiries

Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
0330 854 0100
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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