Trains across the West Midlands and Chiltern area are expected to be very busy due to the Bank Holiday, Birmingham Pride and strike action.

Thousands of people will be attending Pride, with more expected in and around the city centre over the weekend.

Strike action is affecting West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway services today and tomorrow (22nd and 23rd).

Services in and out of all Birmingham stations will be busier, and WMR and LNR passengers have been advised to only travel if necessary and allow extra time.

Other operators (CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, and Transport for Wales) are prompting passengers to plan ahead for busier trains and potential delays.

Journeys can be planned and checked online before travel.

“Bank holidays are always busy on the railway but strike action significantly reducing WMR and LNR services will mean other operators will be even busier than normal.

“It’s an exciting weekend with Birmingham Pride taking place and we want everyone to travel safely in and out of the city centre. Always plan your journey, check before you travel and allow plenty of time.

“Importantly, if you are travelling home late, know your last few trains and don’t rely on the very last one which might be too busy to safely board.” 

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route