A MAJOR rail operator was forced to cancel two trains after their staff were left stranded by a broken down taxi.

Crew from London Midland were travelling across Birmingham when their taxi ground to a halt in the city's Queensway tunnel on Tuesday, leading to the cancellation of the 17.49 Birmingham New Street to Hereford and 17.59 Birmingham New Street Great Malvern services

The operator has promised to review their process of getting their staff between stations to prevent it from disrupting passenger journeys in the future.

A London Midland spokesman said: “We apologise to passengers who were affected by the cancellation of the 17.49 Birmingham New St – Hereford and 17.59 Birmingham New St – Great Malvern services.

“The two conductors who were due to work these trains were stuck in a broken down taxi in the tunnel on Queensway in Birmingham City Centre.

"For the safety and protection of its employees, it is London Midland’s policy to provide taxis for conductors travelling between stations as they carry cash and card reading equipment.”