“We’d like to update you on our current fleet situation on the Cambrian line and a temporary plan we are putting into place from Saturday, 16 November.

Owing to a shortfall of trains with a number of our Class 158 fleet undergoing C6 heavy maintenance exams and autumn related repairs, we’re having to amend services on the Cambrian line.

Because the Cambrian line uses a unique in-cab signalling system ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System), we are restricted to only being able to use the Class 158 fleet on it, so are not in a position to use any of our other fleets on the line to make up the shortfall.

As such we’re putting a temporary plan in place to deliver services with more consistency and clarity for customers.

From Saturday, 16 November all services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International will be terminating and turning back at Wolverhampton. This will allow us to run a consistent service for customers while we work through some of the fleet issues and get back to a stronger position. This also protects some of the vital services in rural mid and north Wales.

We are also looking at a plan to bring the new Class 197s into service between Shrewsbury and Birmingham earlier than was originally planned and we hope to share a further update on this soon.

Ticket acceptance is in place for customers traveling towards Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International on Avanti and West Midlands Railways.

The plan will be in place until at least Friday, 22 November.

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and to assure you we are working hard to minimise disruption to customers.”