Commuters and travellers in the West Midlands faced significant disruption on Monday afternoon after a train failure blocked a key railway line.
Incident Halts Services
A train travelling between Hamstead and Birmingham New Street broke down during the afternoon of Monday, 5th January 2026. This incident has directly caused the line to become blocked, leading to immediate and widespread delays across the network.
Affected Routes and Immediate Impact
The blockage has severely impacted services running from Birmingham New Street to Bescot Stadium in Walsall. Passengers on these routes have been advised to expect considerable delays and possible cancellations while recovery efforts are underway.
In response to the disruption, rail operators have swiftly implemented contingency plans to keep passengers moving.
Alternative Travel Arrangements
Rail replacement coach services are now operating between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley to bridge the gap in service. Furthermore, to provide additional options for travellers, ticket acceptance has been agreed with National Express West Midlands buses on routes between Birmingham and Walsall.
Passengers holding valid train tickets are permitted to use these bus services at no extra cost. Network Rail and train operating companies are working to resolve the issue, but no estimated time for a full return to normal service has been provided.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to check the latest journey updates before setting out. For real-time information, you can consult the latest updates on Trainline or your train operator's official website and social media channels.
