TRAIN strikes are set to cause delays once again this weekend across the Black Country.
Services will be heavily impacted on Saturday, August 13, Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20 due to action by members of the ASLEF and RMT unions.
On Saturday, August 13 there will no service on any West Midlands Railway or Cross-Country route.
Chiltern Railways is not affected by the strike but is advising customers to only travel if essential because of the knock-on impact on its services.
Trains will be extremely busy, and customers should expect delays and short notice cancellations on Chiltern Railways services.
Due to the strike action, no trains will be running to or from Birmingham New Street station this Saturday.
People will still be able to access the station concourse which provides a key pedestrian route across the city centre, but all ticket gates will be closed with no access to platforms. Network Rail staff will also be on hand to help.
Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “It’s frustrating and disappointing that Birmingham New Street will be closed this Saturday because of the train drivers’ strike.
“We will have staff on hand to help people passing through the station but please be patient on what will be a very difficult day for everyone.
“Our advice is to contact your train operator for the latest information on ticketing, services and refunds.
“The National Rail Enquiries website at www.nationalrail.co.uk is the best place to plan your journey for a different day.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “It is disappointing that our customers will continue to be impacted this month due to ongoing industrial action and I am urging passengers to check their journeys in advance.
“On Saturday 13 August we will not be able to run any services at all and we are advising passengers not to travel.
“Passengers holding tickets purchased in advance can travel on an alternative date or receive a full refund.”
On Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20, a limited West Midlands Railway service will be in operation between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm only due to industrial action by members of the RMT union.
An amended timetable will also be in operation on Friday, August 19 and early morning services on Sunday, August 21 may be disrupted due to the displacement of trains overnight.
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