By james art West Midlands Rail and British Transport Police face a challenge tonight, Tuesday 22 October, when three football matches kick off within 15 minutes of each other at grounds a few miles apart.
Six groups of fans will travel to watch Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Walsall, leading to packed trains as thousands of fans make their way to and from the matches.
Aston Villa host Bologna in a Champions League game at Villa Park, Birmingham City play Bolton Wanderers in a League One clash at St Andrews and Walsall host Carlisle United in League Two at the Bescot Stadium.
Trains to and from the grounds are expected to be particularly busy and fans traveling to games should allow plenty of time for travel and planning at www.nationalrail.co.uk
The railways are ideal for transporting thousands of fans to and from matches and often put in extra trains to cope with the high numbers of passengers. Rail companies such as GB Railfreight have also named some of their locomotives after football teams.
“Our team at Birmingham New Street station are ready to help football fans get to and from their matches seamlessly.
“With three domestic schedules all landing on the same evening, it is important that passengers plan ahead, allow extra time to get to their destination and know the time of their train home.
“Check before you travel at nationalrail.co.uk or with your train operator for the latest travel information.”Stephen Ireland, Head of Stations, Security and Customer Relations Management for Network Rail’s Central Route