A signalling system fault between University and Five Ways stations caused the suspension of all train services between Redditch and Four Oaks on November 5, 2026, leading to major cancellations and delays on the West Midlands Cross City Line since early morning. The disruption is expected to continue until 12:00 local time, affecting a wide range of West Midlands Railway and CrossCountry routes.
Rail Replacement Service Details
Rail replacement buses have operated from 6:15 a.m. in both directions between Redditch and Longbridge to mitigate the service suspension on the Cross City Line. Bus services number 45 and 47 connect Birmingham and Longbridge, with route
45 passing through Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Kings Norton, and West Heath, and route 47 running via Selly Park, Stirchley, Cotteridge, Wychall Lane, and Turves Green. West Midlands Railway advised passengers to allow extra travel time as replacement buses are expected to be crowded.
Passengers using train tickets for routes affected by the disruption can also use their tickets on local West Midlands Bus services running between Four Oaks, Birmingham, and Longbridge. Additionally, train tickets remain valid on alternative train services within two hours before or after the original booked departure times provided by participating train companies.
Routes Unaffected and Ongoing Services
Services between Bromsgrove
and Lichfield Trent Valley continue to operate without disruption. Trains running between Northfield and Birmingham New Street remain active despite delays on other parts of the network. West Midlands Railway confirmed these routes remain unaffected by the signalling fault.
However, CrossCountry services running between Plymouth and Derby, Leeds, York, Edinburgh, Bristol Temple Meads, and Stansted Airport are experiencing delays and cancellations tied to the wider signalling issue impacting the region.
Passenger Guidance and Compensation
Passengers are advised to check real-time travel updates via National Rail’s Journey Planner and station signage before planning travel. Birmingham New Street station has cautioned about expected delays and suggested
alternative travel routes when possible.
Ticket holders unable to complete their journeys due to cancellations or delays can request full refunds. West Midlands Railway also highlighted potential entitlement to compensation for travel delays. Passengers are instructed to retain their original train tickets and record journey details to support any compensation claims.
Official Statements on Disruption
An unspecified West Midlands Railway spokesperson said, “Rail replacement transport will operate between Redditch and Longbridge in both directions to help you complete your journey.” The spokesperson added, “Your train ticket can be used on local West Midlands Bus services between Four Oaks, Birmingham and Longbridge.”
Regarding the cause,
the spokesperson stated, “Fault with the signalling system between University – Five Ways. Services on the Cross City line may be delayed or cancelled.” They confirmed, “Bromsgrove – Lichfield services remain unaffected, so there are still services running between Northfield and Birmingham New Street.”
About compensation, the spokesperson urged, “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.”
