Train firms work together to avoid Wembley chaos
Train operators have said they are working collaboratively to try to stop any overcrowding of trains after the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley stadium in April.
Ticket overselling was blamed for chaos after Coventry City's Championship play-off final last May.
Some Sky Blues fans were left stranded with trains not going to all stations while others were forced onto overcrowded services, described as "unsafe."
Coventry are set to take on Manchester United at 15:30 BST on 21 April.
Matt Turner from Chiltern Railways said operators had learned lessons from last year and would not be making "short-notice changes."
Thousands of fans were given less than 12 hours' notice not to use trains after last year's match, despite having already bought tickets, as sales exceeded capacity.
"We knew that there was work to do after last year," Mr Turner told BBC CWR.
"Some things that happened were within our control, some outside, some was unexpected disruption on the day, which combined, created a very difficult day for everybody involved."
"With an earlier kick-off than last year, there will be a better selection of evening services," he explained.
Richard Stanton, from Avanti West Coast, said it had been a "long-standing battle" with the footballing authorities but the earlier game kick-off time would provide an extra 75 minutes.
Liam Bolland, from West Midlands Railway, added operators were in "constant dialogue" with the club and were checking the possibility of running additional train services on the day of the match.
"The date of the game was only announced a couple of days ago, we're all bashing heads and working together, so we're going to make sure we all get together very much in good time."
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook, X, and Instagram, Send your story ideas to: newsonline.westmidlands@bbc.co.uk
