Train operator reveals Christmas wishes for customers as seasonal markets arrive in Birmingham

Train operator CrossCountry is giving some advice to Birmingham city centre visitors as the seasonal markets have begun.

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Markets, running until Tuesday 24 December, bring thousands of festive revellers into the city centre and mean busier trains than usual – especially later in the evenings.

Though more seats will be provided where possible, later services from Birmingham New Street will be extremely busy - passengers shouldn’t rely on the last train home and plan their journey well in advance.

Steve Hopkinson, CrossCountry’s Service delivery director, said: “We know the markets are very popular and mean busier trains. We don’t want to leave any customers on the platform and encourage anyone visiting the markets to plan ahead and not rely on finding a seat on the last train home.

“I’d remind passengers that our colleagues are working hard to get customers where they need to be. We have a zero-tolerance approach towards any anti-social behaviour directed at our employees and will work with the police to prosecute to the full extent of the law.”

Away from the festivities, Christmas markets can also lead to an unacceptable increase in antisocial behaviour and harassment of onboard colleagues.

The four weeks before Christmas 2023 saw Public Order Offences, including instances of anti-social behaviour on CrossCountry colleagues, increase by 14.3 per cent on the previous year.

Steven Ireland, head of stations, security and customer relationship management for Network Rail’s Central route, said: “All we want is for people to enjoy the Christmas season and get to where they need to be safely.

“We’ve got extra staff on hand to help provide advice and information and have the support of a dedicated anti-social behaviour team and St John Ambulance to help keep passengers and staff safe during this very busy time.

“As Birmingham New Street station will be busier than normal, please plan ahead and check before you travel.”

Engineering work over the Christmas period will also mean changes to journeys later in the year.