Changes to Coventry and Midlands train services as heatwave hits

[dutchman]

Some services from West Midlands Railway are being lightened or pulled completely



Rail services across the West Midlands will be disrupted next week with trains running more slowly to ensure safety of passengers and staff. West Midlands Railway has now revealed details of changes to timetables along with speed restrictions on trains across the region on Monday (July 18) and Tuesday (July 19).

There will also be some train cancellations with reduced services. The Met Office has issued an 'extreme heat' warning next week, with temperatures expected to peak as high as 37C in Coventry.

Due to the hot weather, trains are likely to be run with severe delays - and journeys will take longer than usual. West Midlands Railway has issued an updated timetable for July 18 and July 19.

Timetable for Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19:

• Cross City line: Timetables are still being determined, but amendments will be in place and fewer trains will be running
  
• Rugeley Trent Valley – Birmingham International: Services will run between Rugeley – Birmingham New Street only
  
• Birmingham New Street – Liverpool Lime Street: Services will be running between Crewe – Liverpool Lime Street only (Birmingham – Crewe via Stoke-on-Trent services will be running as normal)
  
• Birmingham New Street – Northampton via Coventry: 1 train per hour will be running (calling at all stations)
  
• Nuneaton – Leamington Spa via Coventry: No service
  
• Shrewsbury – Birmingham New Street: Services are planned to run as normal, however services are likely to be running between Shrewsbury – Wolverhampton only

Services may be subjected to further alteration, West Midlands Railway said. Passengers should check but on the website here before travelling to keep updated with any further changes. Passengers are advised to plan their journeys as they are likely to take longer than usual.

Passengers are also urged to carry a bottle of water with them to keep hydrated and cool in the heat.

If your train is delayed by more than 15 minutes, you could be entitled to claim your money back here.

[dutchman]

Limited trains running at Birmingham New Street due to heatwave damage



Commuter chaos has been caused as limited trains are currently running at Birmingham New Street. This will affect those who make journeys to and from the city.

According to a BirminghamLive report, damage was caused to overhead power cables following yesterday's record-breaking heatwave. Earlier this morning all trains had to come to a stop at the busy station as Network Rail engineers battle with a fault involving 25,000 volt overhead cables.

Limited train services are now running according to West Midlands Rail but passengers are being advised to check before they travel throughout today.

"While Network Rail raced to fix the power cables overnight, passengers are being warned of further disruption today with delays and possible train cancellations," a spokesman said.

Steven Ireland, Network Rail’s central route performance and customer director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers impacted by the damaged caused to our overhead electric lines during the record-breaking heat. Specialist teams worked all night to get most routes back up and running today.

"I’d like to thank people for their patience and urge anyone planning a rail journey today to check before they travel before they set out by using the National Rail Enquiries website or app."

[dutchman]

If they can't keep ordinary trains running what chance will they have with high speed trains?

[rebbonk]

You can bet nobody has actually factored that in, Dutchman.