As of August 2024, CrossCountry has introduced an emergency timetable. This will run from 10 August 2024 to 9 November 2024. This is due to a training backlog and other staffing challenges, and is designed to ensure that a more predictable level of service is offered. Here’s everything that you need to know.

Why is there a CrossCountry emergency timetable?

Like many rail operators in Great Britain, CrossCountry is experiencing issues with staffing levels. It’s currently in the process of recruiting and training more, but the training process takes time to complete. As a result, it’s introduced an emergency timetable.

This will allow CrossCountry time to finish the training process while ensuring that the service offered is predictable. The number of last-minute cancellations on their network will be reduced as a result.

How will the CrossCountry emergency timetable affect my trip?

You might find that your chosen train is no longer running. Here is a summary of what to expect as a result of the CrossCountry emergency timetable:

There will be very few trains on the Newcastle/York to Reading route. Typically, only these trains will run:

• 08:35 Newcastle to Reading
• 11:33 Birmingham New Street to Reading
• 14:45 Reading to York
• 17:45 Reading to Newcastle.

All other services on this route will not operate. You’ll need to use Edinburgh/Newcastle to Plymouth services and change at Birmingham New Street instead.

A small number of trains on the Nottingham to Birmingham/Cardiff, Bournemouth/Birmingham to Manchester and Cambridge/Leicester to Birmingham routes will also be removed.

Notably, two first trains will be removed from the timetable. These are:

• 05:15 Cambridge to Birmingham New Street
• 06:01 Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly.

This is subject to change on a rolling weekly basis. You should check the amended timetable before you travel.

When will amended timetables be available?

You’ll be able to view the CrossCountry emergency timetable around two weeks in advance. It’s updated every week, so you should check the timetable for the specific day or week that you want to travel.

If you’re travelling further ahead, we’d recommend checking journey planners (and the timetable) closer to the date that you’re travelling.

If you’re not sure about the journey that you’re booking, we’d recommend getting in touch with us.

Is there anything else I should know?

If you want to organise your next train trip, then we’d recommend booking your tickets through Railsmartr. We don’t charge any refund or exchange fees, so there’s no penalty for changing your mind.

We’ve got a bunch of other Expert Tips to help you travel smarter. Don’t forget to visit our Instagram page for more trip inspiration and travel tips, too.

_{All information on this page was correct at 13:00 15/08/2024. All information is issued in good faith and is intended only as a rough guide. It’s subject to change at any time and Railsmartr are not responsible for any loss or disappointment incurred as a result of the information provided. CrossCountry may change the advertised timetable at short notice.}