Taxis to the rescue as the games get under way

The 2022 Commonwealth Games get under way this week and industrial action on the railways is expected to cause severe disruption to those attending. Taxis might be the answer to make sure people get to the games on time.

The opening ceremony takes place at the Alexander Stadium on Thursday, with RMT union members taking strike action on Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Games organisers are urging spectators to find alternative ways of getting to the stadium.

ASLEF union members will be on strike on Saturday and long-distance travel as well as travel within the West Midlands is expected to be severely disrupted on Saturday and Sunday. This will affect those going to the gymnastics, rugby sevens, the marathon, T20 cricket, badminton, boxing, netball, table tennis, weightlifting, swimming, beach volleyball, the triathlon, basketball, hockey, squash and bowls.

As the disputes look set to continue into August, games organisers are also urging people to check the website for news of further disruptions.

The only parking at the Alexander Stadium is for a limited number of pre-booked disabled blue-badge spaces, so taking taxis to and from a venue might be a better option for those who had been planning to travel by train.

On the link to the games website below, the taxi icon shows taxi ranks near each of the games venues, to help plan journeys.

It’s also worth looking at travel arrangements for each venue in case of changes and some are easier to get to than others. Events are also being held at Arena Birmingham, Cannock Chase Forest, Coventry Arena, Coventry Stadium, Edgbaston Stadium, Lee Valley VeloPark, The NEC, Sandwell Aquatics Centre, Smithfield, Sutton Park, University of Birmingham Hockey and Squash Centre, Victoria Park, Victoria Square, Warwick (cycling road race) and West Park.

The organisers said: “There will be disruption to services across the network. Some trains will be cancelled, and those that are running will stop earlier in the evening and start later the following day. Services that do operate may well be busier than usual.

“If you are planning to travel by rail to Birmingham on July 27, the day before the opening ceremony on the 28th, please check with your operator before you travel. If your train has been cancelled, you may not get on another train. Long-distance coaches may be a better option.

“If you are planning to travel to Birmingham on the morning of July 28, services are expected to be disrupted due to the previous day’s industrial action. Some trains will be cancelled, and services will start later in the day. Please check with your operator before you travel. If your train has been cancelled, you may not get on another train.”

With taxi ranks strategically located near venues, it should be easier for spectators to jump in a cab after enjoying an event.

For those booking a taxi to take you to and collect them from a venue, it might be worth considering a location a short walk away from the arena to avoid any congestion and delays.

Enjoy the games!