Advice for customers travelling during August Bank Holiday weekend

Major improvement work will be carried out on the West Coast Main Line over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with Chiltern Railways being the only direct route for customers travelling between London and Birmingham.

Customers in the West Midlands are advised that services will be busier than normal, but that the operator have amended their timetable and strengthened services to allow for adequate social distancing onboard. Customers are also advised that there will be queuing systems in place at larger stations and Chiltern Railways advises people to arrive early and allow extra time to complete their journey.

Additionally, some local journeys will be replaced by rail replacement buses as lengthened services mean trains will be unable to call at Kings Sutton, Lapworth and Hatton stations. Passengers requiring travel to these stations are advised that minibuses will be provided for most of the day between Bicester North – Kings Sutton – Banbury and between Warwick Parkway – Hatton – Lapworth – Dorridge.

Customers are reminded that face coverings must be worn on public transport and in stations unless passengers are under the age of 11 or exempt for medical reasons.

Customers are advised to: 

• Allow extra time for their journey, 
• Travel during off-peak hours where possible,
• Book tickets via the website or Chiltern App and use contactless payments wherever possible,
• Check their journey before travelling as an amended timetable will be in operation,
• Keep a safe distance from passengers and staff in the station and onboard trains,
• Regularly wash their hands before and after their journey.