West Midlands Railway urges passengers to travel early for Christmas

West Midlands Railway (WMR) is urging passengers making journeys this Christmas to travel early to avoid being caught up in Christmas Eve travel disruption.

With reduced timetables in operation across the rail network, infrastructure damage caused by Storm Pia and sickness bugs impacting train crew availability, passengers are being urged to travel on Friday or Saturday where possible, rather than leaving their journey until Christmas Eve.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: "We are advising passengers travelling by train this Christmas to leave plenty of time for their journey and to travel on Friday or Saturday rather than leaving it Christmas Eve.

"With services on Christmas Eve already finishing earlier than usual and additional disruption expected due to winter sickness bugs and recent storms, passengers should check their journeys before setting out and leave extra time."

Passengers holding tickets for WMR services dated Christmas Eve will be able to use them on Friday and Saturday instead.

No services will run on any WMR route on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. For more information on Christmas travel, visit the WMR website.