Express & Star

West Midlands train commuters braced for more delays after SECOND day of power problems

Train passengers face delays for this evening's commute between the Black Country and Birmingham after disruption caused by an overhead power cable damage and signal problems.

Published

Electric cables had been damaged yesterday lunchtime near Smethwick Galton Bridge station causing delays lasting into the evening rush hour.

But problems persist today, as due to the damage, fewer trains are able to run on some lines between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

London Midland said services will be affected all day into this evening.

No trains are expected to call at Smethwick Rolfe Street, Dudley Port and Tipton stations this afternoon.

A statement on the operators website said: "Due to damage to the overhead electric wires between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton fewer trains are able to run on some lines.

"Train services running across the whole London Midland network will be cancelled, delayed or diverted.

"Some stations between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street will not be served. Disruption is expected until the end of the day."

  • Arriva Trains Wales are accepting passengers between Birmingham New Street and Chester via Shrewsbury in both directions until further notice.

  • Cross Country are accepting passengers between Tamworth and Birmingham New Street in both directions until further notice.

  • Cross Country are accepting passengers between Nuneaton and Birmingham New Street in both directions until further notice.

  • Chiltern Railways are accepting passengers via any reasonable route until further notice.

  • Merseyrail are accepting passengers between Liverpool Lime Street and Chester in both directions until further notice.

  • Merseyrail are accepting passengers between Liverpool Lime Street and Liverpool South Pw Hl in both directions until further notice.

More details available here

Commuters were caught up ion the chaos this morning, with many taking to social media to raise concern over the problems.

Commuter Gina Iddles said she left Wolverhampton at 6.27am only to be told the train would not be stopping at New Street.

The train was instead sent to wait at Birmingham International and passengers asked to catch a train back to New Street.

Another commuter wrote on the Express & Star Facebook page that passengers were confused by messages from advising them that certain services may or may not be stopping at Birmingham New Street.

But Midland Metro officials also advised that there were delays on the services as commuters switched to trams to seek alternative ways to travel between the cities.

Pressure on Midland Metro services drew frustration from commuters including Lee Daniels.

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