West Midlands Railway is urging passengers that are travelling to Birmingham’s famous Frankfurt Christmas market to plan ahead and to allow extra time for their journeys.

The market opens on Thursday 15 November and runs until Sunday 23 December.

Both West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway are advising customers to prepare for trains and stations to be busier than usual.

Last year a record 231,000 people used Birmingham New Street station on the first Saturday when the market opened.

Passengers are also being urged to think ahead and plan their journeys if they will be using the rail network over Christmas.

As part of its Railway Upgrade Plan, Network Rail will be carrying out improvement work across Britain between 24 December and 2 January which may affect journeys.

What did the officials say?

Andy Camp, commercial director for the two train operators, said:

“Travelling by train is a great way to get to and from the city centre during the festive season. Trains and stations will be busier than usual over the next five weeks, so there may be queuing systems in place at Birmingham Snow Hill and other stations. These will help keep people moving safely through stations and onto trains.

“We advise anyone travelling to plan their journey options, allow some extra time and to make sure that they know when their last train home is departing – as we don’t want anyone to get left behind.”

Patrick Power, Network Rail’s station manager at Birmingham New Street, said:

“The Christmas market and festive season are great for Birmingham but marks the busiest time of the year for Birmingham New Street station.

“Our advice to passengers is allow extra time to make your train, don’t rely on your last service and check before you travel. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe.”

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