Thousands of rail passengers are experiencing significant disruption across the UK today after a herd of cows wandered onto a critical section of the West Coast Main Line.
The incident, which began shortly before 9am, has blocked the line in Staffordshire between Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley for over three hours.
West Midlands Railway services between Birmingham International and Rugeley Trent Valley will also not run between Hednesford and Rugeley Trent Valley.
This has led to widespread delays and cancellations for services operated by Avanti West Coast and Lumo, affecting routes between London Euston and Scotland. London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway services are also impacted.
Adding to the complexity, it is understood there have been difficulties in contacting the farmer responsible for the animals.
Passengers are advised to anticipate continued disruption until 4pm.
Alternative travel arrangements are being made, with tickets being accepted on certain other routes.
Road transport is also being provided.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “At around 9am this morning we received a report of cows on the line near Armitage, between Lichfield and Rugeley.
“This resulted in some train services through the area being delayed and disrupted.
“Our teams attended the scene and, with assistance from farmers, were able to resolve the situation around 1pm.
“Normal working will now resume. We are sorry to those affected by this disruption.”
Many affected passengers expressed their frustration on social media.
One wrote to Avanti West Coast that they were stuck on a train that had “not moved for three hours”, while another complained they had only been offered one 330ml bottle of water, adding: “I’m sure your shop is doing great business.”
Another stranded passenger posted on X to ask “How long will these delays last?” and “How long does it take to move cows off the line?”
London Northwestern Railway said: “Cattle on the line just south of Rugeley Trent Valley.
“Some lines are blocked so there will be delays and cancellations. Staff are on site.”
Traffic monitoring system Inrix has issued the following alert: “Service suspended on Avanti West Coast between Stafford and Rugby, and between Stoke-on-Trent and Rugby due to animals on the line at Rugeley Trent Valley. Some services are diverting via Birmingham New Street.”
