West Midlands Railway suspended all train services between Redditch and Four Oaks from early morning on November 5, 2026, following a signalling fault between University and Five Ways stations. The fault has caused widespread cancellations and delays on the Cross City Line affecting routes across Birmingham.
Replacement Transport and Bus Alternatives Activated
Rail replacement buses have been running between Redditch and Longbridge since 6:15am on November 5. Passengers are also permitted to use their train tickets on local West Midlands Bus services operating between Four Oaks, Birmingham, and Longbridge. Bus routes 45 and 47 offer supplementary alternatives connecting Birmingham and Longbridge. Route 45 serves Selly Park,
Stirchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton, and West Heath, while route 47 travels via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Wychall Lane, and Turves Green.
Passenger Advice on Ticket Validity, Delays, and Compensation
Passengers with cancelled Cross City Line trains can use their tickets on alternative services offered by participating train operators up to two hours before or after their original departure time. Full refunds are available for customers unable to complete their journeys. West Midlands Railway warns travelers to allow extra time for journeys as replacement buses are expected to operate at higher capacity. Passengers experiencing delays may be eligible for compensation and are advised to retain their train tickets and
note journey details for claims.
Unaffected and Affected Services Outside Cross City Line
West Midlands Railway confirmed that services running between Bromsgrove and Lichfield Trent Valley remain unaffected by the disruption. These routes continue to serve Northfield and Birmingham New Street without interruption. However, broader network impacts include CrossCountry services connecting Plymouth, Derby, Leeds, York, Edinburgh, Bristol Temple Meads, Stansted Airport, Cardiff Central, Nottingham, and Derby, as well as West Midlands Railway routes from Hereford, Great Malvern, Worcester Foregate Street, Redditch, Bromsgrove, and Longbridge to Birmingham New Street.
Official Statements and Operational Timings
A West Midlands Railway spokesperson confirmed: “Rail replacement transport will operate between Redditch and Longbridge in both directions to help
you complete your journey.” The spokesperson also stated: “Your train ticket can be used on local West Midlands Bus services between Four Oaks, Birmingham and Longbridge.” Regarding the cause, they said: “Fault with the signalling system between University – Five Ways. Services on the Cross City line may be delayed or cancelled.” Details on unaffected services were provided: “Bromsgrove – Lichfield services remain unaffected, so there are still services running between Northfield and Birmingham New Street.” The spokesperson added: “You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket
and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.”
The signalling fault first impacted services early on November 5, 2026, with all trains between Four Oaks and Redditch suspended. Rail replacement buses started operating from 6:15am, and the disruption was expected to continue until 12:00 noon, according to National Rail.
Birmingham New Street station issued warnings for travellers to anticipate delays and seek alternative travel routes when possible. Passengers are encouraged to consult the National Rail real-time Journey Planner and station signage for updates and rail replacement pick-up locations.
