Fans attending the Commonwealth Games, the Community Shield between Manchester City and Liverpool and the opening weekend of the English Football League are expected to be hit with a 24-hour train strike.
Train drivers from eight rail companies – Arriva Rail London, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains – will step down on July 30 over pay disputes.
The Commonwealth Games kick off in Birmingham on July 28, while reigning Premier League champions City take on last season’s FA Cup winners Liverpool at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on July 30.
It is extremely disappointing that the unions have decided to strike during a fantastic sporting summer that has been planned for years.
This could have a huge impact on the spectator experience for those planning to travel by train.https://t.co/zEPFuXWeER
— Nigel Huddleston MP (@HuddlestonNigel) July 14, 2022
Wembley will stage the Euro 2022 final the next day but it is feared the strike could also disrupt ongoing services on July 31.
“It is extremely disappointing that the unions have decided to strike during a fantastic sporting summer which has been planned for years,” tweeted Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston.
“This could have a huge impact on the spectator experience for those planning to travel by train.
“The strike comes at a critical time for the Women’s Euro and the start of the Commonwealth Games.
“We are working with @FA organisers, @birminghamcg22, local councils and transport providers to ensure spectators can get to and from venues safely and efficiently.”
A spokesperson for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee said: ‘We are aware of the impending rail strikes on July 27 and 30 and 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 a comprehensive spectator transport plan is in place which sets out the different ways people can get to and from the Games.
“We encourage everyone to visit the Birmingham 2022 website, where they can find the Games Travel Planner: it outlines all available transport options, including domestic coach services, designated shuttles and venues. parking relay.”
The bulk of the first round of matches in the new EFL season also take place on July 30.