Network Rail has been directing passengers at Birmingham New Street to non-existent rail replacement buses, while trains continue running normally on the route to Birmingham International. The Independent discovered no buses were operating despite official announcements, with the 9.36am service taking its usual nine minutes rather than the advertised 35-minute bus journey.
CrossCountry trains remain completely cancelled on Saturday as RMT union members strike over staffing, safety and pay disputes. The intercity operator, which normally connects England, Wales and Scotland through Birmingham, will run very limited services on Monday between 8am and 6pm only.
Travel alternatives emerge
National Express has responded by adding 9,000 extra seats across 15 cities to help stranded passengers, according to the BBC. An estimated 17.6 million car getaway trips are expected as travellers seek alternatives, reports Kent Live.
Despite the personal inconvenience, many passengers remain supportive of the striking workers. The dispute centres on allegations that CrossCountry has not honoured agreements on staffing levels and safety measures.
Wider rail disruption
The East Coast Main Line faces complete closure between London King's Cross and Peterborough from 8pm Saturday until 8am on bank holiday Monday due to engineering work. Passengers travelling to Yorkshire, northeast England and Scotland must use London St Pancras International to Bedford for replacement bus connections.
West Midlands services also face reduced capacity due to ongoing track renewal work at Garrison Street and Tyseley. CrossCountry warns that trains running on Monday "are expected to be busy" with no services between Birmingham New Street, Reading and the south coast.
This marks the final bank holiday weekend before Christmas, according to Kent Live, intensifying pressure on alternative transport networks. Network Rail is conducting engineering projects nationwide as part of its infrastructure improvement programme.
Sources used: "The Independent", "BBC", "Kent Live", "Birmingham Mail" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
