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West Midlands Railways (WMR) said plans are in place to help with the influx of people coming to events, starting with the annual Birmingham Christmas Market which kicks off this weekend (November 1). Last year, more than nine million passengers used Birmingham New Street during the Christmas market season and bosses said they are again ready to help passengers get to and from the the city centre for festivities and celebrations. Along with Birmingham City Council, British Transport Police and train operators, Birmingham New Street’s team has planned for the market with clear plans in place to safely manage large crowds. Patrick Power, head of stations and passenger experience for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “We love this time of the year and seeing the city centre bustling with people. “While we’re ready to welcome everyone to the station, we ask passengers to follow our three golden rules – plan your journey, know your last trains, and respect staff and each other – to help make journeys as smooth as possible. “We will have extra staff across the station to provide advice and information and to help keep passengers safe and can’t wait to welcome people throughout the festive season.” Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming visitors into Birmingham’s city centre this Christmas. “With plenty of festive events going on in the city, we want to remind passengers that services will be busy in the run up to Christmas, so please plan your journey in advance and be kind to staff and your fellow passengers.” And Michael Stewart, Commercial and Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, added: “The build up to the Christmas period is always wonderful for Birmingham with many of our customers flocking to the city to enjoy the festivities. “As more people head to Birmingham than usual during the festive period, stations and trains will be busier so please plan your journeys in advance of travelling.” A dedicated anti-social behaviour team will also be in place at New Street Station along with increased support from British Transport Police and St John Ambulance volunteers. Train operators will be strengthening some services to help keep passengers on the move. As the Christmas market and festive period can mean trains and platforms are much busier at Birmingham New Street, queuing systems may be used at busy times to safely allow people to board trains home. To plan journeys in advance and find out train times home passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk .
