Train services between Redditch and Four Oaks on the Cross City Line were suspended from early morning on 5 November 2026 due to a signalling fault between University and Five Ways. This fault caused delays and cancellations on multiple routes across Birmingham, though services running between Bromsgrove and Lichfield Trent Valley continued unaffected.
Replacement Buses and Alternative Transport Options Activated
Rail replacement buses began operating between Redditch and Longbridge from 6:15am in both directions to help passengers complete their journeys. All train services between Four Oaks and Redditch remained suspended. West Midlands Railway confirmed that rail tickets were valid for use on local West Midlands Bus services
45 and 47, covering routes between Four Oaks, Birmingham New Street, and Longbridge. CrossCountry services running routes including Plymouth to Derby, Leeds, York, Edinburgh, Bristol Temple Meads, and Stansted Airport also faced delays and cancellations.
Passenger Guidance on Journey Planning, Refunds, and Compensation
Passengers were advised to check the National Rail real-time Journey Planner before traveling due to ongoing delays and cancellations. Ticket holders could use their tickets on alternative services operated by participating train companies up to two hours before or after their original departure times. Those unable to complete their journeys were eligible for full refunds. West Midlands Railway warned replacement buses would be busier than
usual, urging travellers to allow extra time. Passengers were also reminded to retain their train tickets and note journey details to support potential compensation claims for delays.
Official Statements from West Midlands Railway and Birmingham New Street
A West Midlands Railway spokesperson said, “Rail replacement transport will operate between Redditch and Longbridge in both directions to help you complete your journey.” They added, “Your train ticket can be used on local West Midlands Bus services between Four Oaks, Birmingham and Longbridge.” The spokesperson confirmed a “fault with the signalling system between University – Five Ways” was causing delays and cancellations on the Cross City line but that “services between Bromsgrove
and Lichfield Trent Valley remain unaffected.” The spokesperson also noted, “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.” Birmingham New Street station advised passengers to expect delays and consider alternative routes where possible.
Disruption Status and Impact on West Midlands and CrossCountry Services
Disruption on the Cross City Line started early on 5 November 2026 with no fixed time for restoration beyond the expected continuation until at least 12:00 noon, according to National Rail. The suspension of train services between Four
Oaks and Redditch remains in effect, affecting West Midlands Railway routes from Hereford, Great Malvern, Worcester Foregate Street, Redditch, Bromsgrove, and Longbridge to Birmingham New Street. CrossCountry routes between Cardiff Central and Nottingham/Derby, as well as northern and southern regional services, experienced delays or cancellations. Passengers were urged to check station signage and online resources for rail replacement pick-up and drop-off points during ongoing service disruptions.
