Disruption between Birmingham New Street and International today

[WestCoast]

Got caught up in the mass disruption caused by overhead line problems at Marston Green today. Of course it's completely inevitable that these things will happen, but I did think there could have been slightly more information and support for those travelling between New Street, International and Coventry (especially as there were numerous airport travellers).

Passengers were basically told to "catch NXWM buses", which caused a lot of confusion. Those in the know trotted off to the bus stop opposite Moor Street, where there was a crowd of 150-200 people waiting. I helped direct some very confused Italian ladies - but the buses were getting rammed very quickly.

I ended up catching the coach to Coventry, because the NXWM buses were not coping.

 

[dvboy]

Birmingham New Street is notorious for lack of information during times of disruption.

 

[Eagle]

I've had that before, going the other way. From Coventry we were told to go and take the 900 bus to Birmingham (for which our tickets wouldn't be accepted), despite the fact that the bus station it departs from is about a mile away.

No-one did, of course, we all waited for the coaches to arrive.

 

[Tomonthetrain]

I've had that before, going the other way. From Coventry we were told to go and take the 900 bus to Birmingham (for which our tickets wouldn't be accepted), despite the fact that the bus station it departs from is about a mile away.

Except those with nnetwork tickets. I think its a throwback to Central Trains days when they were owned by National Express.

 

[dvboy]

Except those with nnetwork tickets. I think its a throwback to Central Trains days when they were owned by National Express.

London Midland are usually quite quick at getting ticket acceptance on National Express buses/Metro in times of disruption.

 

[Eagle]

London Midland are usually quite quick at getting ticket acceptance on National Express buses/Metro in times of disruption.

In the instance I mentioned, it seemed to be Virgin who were doing the organizing.

 

[WestCoast]

Interesting replies. I'm based in Birmingham for Uni now, so I'm getting to know the ins and outs of the WM's transport network.

I was a bit surprised about the lack of coaches, but they weren't mentioned and certainly none had arrived about an hour after the disruption. Everyone was directed over to NXWM buses.