Transfer at Birmingham New Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge
Jan 26, 2016, 11:03 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 6,539
Transfer at Birmingham New Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge
I am taking the London Midlands train from Worcester to Liverpool on an upcoming March Friday late afternoon. I have the option of transferring trains at either Birmingham New Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge.
My instinct is to transfer at Smethwick Galton Bridge to avoid the chaos at Birmingham New Street on a Friday PM rush hour. The downside would be perhaps an unpleasant 20-30 wait at Smethwick Galton Bridge outside in the winter cold and also maybe getting on a full train at Smethwick Galton Bridge & not getting a seat. I suppose spending an extra 12 quid for London Midlands first class would be worth it to guarantee a seat.
So, Birmingham New Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge for a transfer?
My instinct is to transfer at Smethwick Galton Bridge to avoid the chaos at Birmingham New Street on a Friday PM rush hour. The downside would be perhaps an unpleasant 20-30 wait at Smethwick Galton Bridge outside in the winter cold and also maybe getting on a full train at Smethwick Galton Bridge & not getting a seat. I suppose spending an extra 12 quid for London Midlands first class would be worth it to guarantee a seat.
So, Birmingham New Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge for a transfer?
Jan 26, 2016, 11:38 am
#2
Moderator: UK and Ireland & Europe
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Biggleswade
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There is literally nothing at Smethwick Galton Bridge. It's also a slightly confusing station if you don't know it, with two sets of platforms on top of each other.
Personally, I'd go for New Street. It's vastly improved these days...
Personally, I'd go for New Street. It's vastly improved these days...
Jan 26, 2016, 11:46 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: England, North
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Posts: 634
railforums is probably a better place for a detailed question
If you leave Worcester at 13 minutes past, there is an unofficial 3-minute connection at Smethwick, that might be worth trying if you can move quickly and you know your way around.
If you leave Worcester at 13 minutes past, there is an unofficial 3-minute connection at Smethwick, that might be worth trying if you can move quickly and you know your way around.