Cross Country cancellations

[londonmidland]

Whilst waiting for my train at Birmingham New Street this evening, I noticed quite a few cancelled Cross Country services. A mix of both 170 and Voyager services.

These services were part cancelled, which means they finished their journey short at Birmingham New Street vice their final destination.

My question is, what do they do with these trains as they then occupy the platforms at New Street and can cause congestion? There were quite a few platform alterations to other services as a result.

 

[dk1]

I would imagine shed & ferry drivers just move them out of the way to a suitable location.

 

[DJP78]

I believe track maintenance work started yesterday evening, between Bromsgrove & Chelt Spa, resulting in cancelled services. I'm guessing this might be the cause of the cancellations unless others know different.

Regarding impacted rolling stick, trains effected will likely be terminated at Birm New St & Chelt Spa. New Street terminations are usually taken to Central Rivers depot or will be turned around and worked back to their place of origin. Again, Chelt Spa terminating trains will likely be worked back to Bristol or Plymouth and stabled at Barton Hill (Bristol) and Laira Depot (Plymouth) for instance, and then taken back out for service when next needed.

Track closures cause logistical challenges for TOC's, as a number of trains will not be in their respective starting locations, instead stranded elsewhere. Getting contingent drivers and crew to them can present significant difficulties and impact on timetables for 24hrs or so afterwards.