'Absolute mess': Passengers stranded during West Midlands rail chaos
Check before travelling - driver shortages were affecting all lines on Sunday
Passengers across the West Midlands faced major disruption on Sunday evening after West Midlands Railway confirmed train crew shortages were affecting all lines across the network.
In a post shared on social media on Sunday, West Midlands Railway warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations throughout the evening, with rail replacement transport taking time to arrange.
The operator later confirmed ticket acceptance was in place on National Express West Midlands bus services, while replacement buses were introduced along the Cross City Line in both directions.
The disruption comes after a weekend already marked by rail chaos across several train lines due to strikes on Friday and Saturday, ongoing driver shortages, and planned engineering works.
Frustrated passengers took to social media to share concerns over delays, travel costs and a lack of clear alternatives.
David Stange wrote: “Delay repay not good enough. Impossible to claim. Can we use local buses?”
Another passenger, Mrs Dulai, described scenes at Birmingham New Street station as “an absolute mess”.
She added: “There are no buses to where I live on a Sunday evening. Can I claim back the £23 for the Uber?”
Many passengers reported being stranded late into the evening as services continued to face disruption across the region.
West Midlands Railway has advised passengers to check before travelling while disruption continues into Monday.