Times of disruption are expected on West Midlands trains today – here are alternatives that accept tickets

National Rail said trains must run at reduced speeds between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton until damaged cables in the Sandwell and Dudley area are repaired.

A statement said: “The attempted theft of signaling cables between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton means trains are having to run at reduced speeds on all lines.

“Furthermore, a point failure between these stations means that trains will run non-stop between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton.

“Trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or diverted.

“Disruption is expected through the end of the day.”

West Midlands Railway first reported the problem at around 6am on Friday.

It said fewer trains could run between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton and advised there could be cancellations or delays of up to 20 minutes.

The line between the two stations has closed and is expected to remain closed until 3.30pm.

The rail company said services would end at Wolverhampton or take a “longer diversion route”.

West Midlands Railway has told passengers that train tickets are being accepted for tube and bus services in the meantime.

A statement on its website said: “Please use live departures and arrivals or National Rail Inquiries’ real-time journey planner to view journey options.

“Midland Metro is accepting passengers between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton in both directions until further notice.

“National Express West Midlands is accepting passengers on any reasonable route until further notice.”