With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games facing a train strike on the opening weekend, organisers have released a statement that Birmingham 2022 is working with Transport for West Midlands on the potential impact for spectators.
As things stand, there will be a train strike on July 27, the day before the opening ceremony and July 30, the third day of the Games.
West Midlands Trains are among the eight companies to go on strike with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen [ASLEF] agreeing to strike on Monday. ASLEF criticised the Conservative government and stated their ‘hands are tied’ with the strikes set to disrupt the region later this month.
This has since prompted a furious response from West Midlands Mayor Andy Street who revealed he was ‘incredibly disappointed and frustrated’ by the strike. “I’m amazed how a small group of people want to choose to disrupt something that is about unity and celebration,” Mr Street added.
Extra buses and coaches are being discussed if train strikes go ahead in two weeks time. Birmingham 2022, organisers for the Commonwealth Games, are following the situation closely and provided a statement on the strikes.
A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said: “We are aware of the impending rail strikes on 27th and 30th July and we are working with Transport for West Midlands to understand any impact this will have on spectators.
“The West Midlands region is one of the best-connected areas in the country and there is a comprehensive spectator transport plan in place which sets out the many different ways people can travel to and from the Games. We encourage everyone to visit the Birmingham 2022 website, where they can find the Games Journey Planner: this outlines all transport options that are available, including national coach services, designated shuttle buses and park and ride sites”.
Source: Robson McCallister
