Football rail travel advice for Birmingham: how strike action will affect games in September

Strike action by RMT and ASLEF trade unions will affect travel plans for those hoping to watch a football game in Birmingham in September.

Members of RMT, representing Senior Conductors, have announced strike action on Saturday (September 2) and members of the ASLEF trade union, representing Train Drivers, have announcedstrike action on Friday (September 1). Additionally, ASLEF will take action short of a strike on Saturday.

Services will not operate on any West Midlands Railway route on Friday and West Midlands Railway services will operate to a limited timetable between the hours of 7am and 7pm on Saturday and some routes will not be served. On Sunday (September 3), there will be alterations to a small number of morning services.

West Midlands Railways said on its website: “Our available staff resource will be focussed on contingency duties on trains/at hub stations. Unfortunately, for safety reasons this means we will be unable to provide a service for football travel to/from the below matches during this time.”

Which football game will be affected by strike action in Birmingham?

With Birmingham City vs Milwall game this Saturday, the strike action could mean changing travel plans to arrive at St. Andrew’s stadium for supporters of both clubs. Trains will not call at Bordesley on September 2 due to strike action. Birmingham City vs Millwall match kick-off is at 12.30pm on September 2.

West Midlands Railways travel advice for September 2

West Midlands Railways said: “On football matchdays, we provide additional staff and security measures to ensure the increased number of customers using our services and stations can do so in a safe manner. Safety remains our number one priority at all times.

“On strike days, our available pool of managers are prioritised to work in contingency roles on trains and at stations to keep services operating. As a result, additional staff are not available to help safely manage thousands of additional visitors to our stations.

“Unfortunately, due to the combination of the reduced capacity and lack of resource, it is unsafe for us to provide calls for football matches during this time. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. If you’re heading to these games, you’re advised to use alternative travel options where possible. You can plan alternative journeys here [Transport for West Midlands].”