West Midlands Railway thanks after 'record-breaking' 2million train journeys during Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games - The Bromsgrove Standard

West Midlands Railway thanks after 'record-breaking' 2million train journeys during Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Bromsgrove Editorial 11th Aug, 2022   0

A RECORD-breaking number of travellers have used West Midlands Railway services during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games which ended on Monday.

The operator has thanked people for turning to trains to get to venues, estimating 2million journeys were made by rail in the region.

Unprecedented numbers were recorded at University station (hockey and squash) in south Birmingham, used by more than 150,000 passengers, including 31,000 on August 1 alone.

Records also tumbled at newly-redeveloped Perry Barr station (athletics and opening/closing ceremonies) with more than 25,000 passengers passing through during the 11-day event. Network Rail reported Birmingham New Street station has seen some of the busiest days in its history during those 11 days.




In addition to staff, 170 WMR volunteers were deployed at stations during the games, putting an extra 2,500 additional hours on platforms.

Those supporting the efforts of frontline staff included train drivers, senior conductors, fleet technicians, cleaning staff and more from across the business.


WMR volunteers handed out 40,000 free water bottles and 70,000 bags of sweets to games-goers – even joining in with singalongs of unofficial sporting anthem ‘Sweet Caroline’ on many platforms.

Day tickets to Commonwealth Games events included free travel on public transport in the West Midlands.

Rail transport during the games was provided through collaborative working between WMR, Network Rail, train operators, Transport for West Midlands and the West Midlands Rail Executive.

Ben Roberts, head of Commonwealth Games at WMR, said: “The games have put Birmingham and the wider West Midlands on the international map and I am delighted we have been able to play our part in delivering a successful transport operation.

“I would like to thank our passengers – both games-goers and regular customers – for their good humour and understanding at busier times when queuing systems have been in use.

“I am proud of our staff across the network who have put in a momentous effort to help the many thousands of passengers travelling on our services and I hope the spectators enjoyed their games experience as much as we enjoyed keeping them moving.”

Malcolm Holmes, executive director of West Midlands Rail Executive, said: “With more than 1million games tickets sold, staging this event was a monumental challenge for our rail network but thanks to a lot of hard work from across the industry it is one we have passed with flying colours.”

Visit www.wmr.uk for more on West Midlands Railway services.

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