Network rail is advising passengers to ‘think in threes’ if they are visiting the famous Frankfurt Christmas market this week in Birmingham.

The city’s famous market opens Thursday 4 November and massive numbers are predicted to travel in and out by train.

As last year’s Christmas market was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic it is forecasted millions of people will visit Birmingham this year for the market which runs until 23rd December.

For a smooth journey, passengers are advised by Network Rail to think of these three tips:

• Plan your journey and check before you travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk
• Take an earlier train home – later services will be extremely busy
• Remember Network Rail’s motto of ‘Be safe, be patient, be kind’ when travelling

More than half a million people went through Birmingham New Street station during the opening weekend of the market in 2019.

Over the past year, station staff have been busy preparing for the return of the Christmas Market and the extra passengers that are expected on the trains and through the platform whilst still keeping everyone safe due to the pandemic.

Queuing system may be in action at peak times to allow people to board trains safely home. Face coverings are expected to be worn by those who can, whilst on the train and also when travelling through the station, so people can travel in confidence.

Increased cleaning procedures are in place by Network Rail to help stop the spread of Covid-19. Hand sanitiser is available on the station concourse. For the latest coronavirus advice, please visit the Government website.

Steven Ireland, head of stations and security for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We’ve loved welcoming passengers back to the station over the last few months and the fact the Christmas market is coming back is a huge boost after the tough 18 months we’ve all had.”

“It means the festive season has started, but it also means the busiest time of the year is here for our station team. To make everyone’s journey as smooth as it can be, I’m urging passengers to follow our three golden rules to make travelling in and out of the city as easy as possible. There will be extra staff in place across the station to provide advice and information and help keep passengers safe throughout the festive season.”

Where Next?

RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RailAdvent Plus
Railway Discounts, 4k Video, pictures and more!
Competition Time!
Have you entered yet?
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
NETWORK RAIL
Visit their website