How the train strikes will affect Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Travel disruptions are expected during the Commonwealth Games Credit: PA Images

Rail strikes return this weekend and are expected to bring fresh travel disruption across the Midlands - particularly during the long-awaited Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Here's everything you need to know about rail services affected during the train strikes to help you travel smoothly.

What services will be affected?

A number of rail services are expected to be crippled across the region due to the large numbers of workers and operators taking part in the strike on Saturday (30 July).

Network Rail has also said all train lines could be affected as signallers control train movements across the entire country.

Staff from West Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway and LNER will all be striking.

Credit: PA Images

West Midlands Trains cover routes into Birmingham city centre on the cross city line from Lichfield to Bromsgrove along with trains to Worcester, Walsall and Coventry.

Meanwhile, London Northwestern Railway and LNER affect travel in and out of the region.

Other operators such as Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry have warned of disrupted services because of industrial action knock on effects.

Some operators are urging people to seek alternative modes of transport and to only travel if essential.

Saturday 30 July

Here is a breakdown of what to expect from each rail company:

Avanti West Coast

  • Birmingham - London: There will be three trains an hour going from Birmingham New Street to London Euston until 7pm, when there will only be one train an hour until 11:10pm

  • Wolverhampton - London: There will be one train an hour until 11:45pm

  • Coventry - London: There will be three trains an hour from Coventry. The last train will depart at 11:31pm

CrossCountry

More than 40,000 workers at Network Rail and 14 train operating companies will walk out Credit: PA Images

Chiltern Rail

  • Passengers are being urged to check before they travel as services are likely to be very busy

  • Chiltern Railways will be running an enhanced service, with additional trains, between Marylebone and Birmingham on this date, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Games

  • Some services have already been delayed between Stratford-Upon-Avon and Leamington Spa. Check before travelling

West Midlands Railway

  • If you have a train ticket for Saturday 30 July, you can claim a refund

  • You can submit this on the West Midlands Railway website

  • If you are making a return journey and one leg of your trip is impacted, you can claim a refund for your full journey

All you need to know about the train strikes
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