'Shortage of train crew' blamed as West Midlands Railway cancels services on busy route
A train company has cancelled services on the line linking Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury because of a 'shortage of train crew'.
West Midlands Railway has arranged road transport to carry passengers in both directions between Shropshire and the Black Country on Friday.
A West Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “We apologise to passengers travelling between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury who have been affected by cancellations today.
“Road replacement transport is in operation and we encourage any passenger whose journey is delayed by 15 minutes our more to claim compensation via the Delay Repay scheme.”
It is understood that the cancellations linked to the current action short of strike by ASLEF members.
West Midlands Railway had tweeted: "There are a number of cancellations on the Shrewsbury line this afternoon/evening due to a shortage of available train crew.
"Road transport will depart Shrewsbury, for stations to Wolverhampton, at the following times: 3:50, 4:50, 5:50, 6:20, 7:50, 8:50 and 10:50."
It adds: "Further to this, road transport will depart Wolverhampton for stations to Shrewsbury at the following times this afternoon/evening: 5:55, 6:55, 7:55, 9:55 and 10:55."
The company advises anyone travelling from Birmingham New Street to use its services at 11 minutes past the hour to Wolverhampton.
It added: "If travelling from Birmingham New Street please use our xx:11 trains to Wolverhampton in order to connect."
Transport for Wales app shows a "good service" for its trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham.
West Midlands Railway has also confirmed that it does not have ticket acceptance in place with Transport for Wales as the firm had sourced road replacement buses, but said any changes would be communicated via social media.
A spokesperson said: “We apologise to passengers travelling between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury who have been affected by cancellations today.
“Road replacement transport is in operation and we encourage any passenger whose journey is delayed by 15 minutes our more to claim compensation via the Delay Repay scheme.”
