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Signal fault causes widespread rail delays across southern England
Passengers in southern England face ongoing disruptions after a radio communication failure between trains and signal operators caused cancellations and delays on multiple rail networks on Thursday.
Fault resolved but services remain disrupted
National Rail reported the issue was detected at 08:53 BST and fixed by 11:00. However, it warned that some services could still face delays of up to 90 minutes or cancellations as operations gradually return to normal. Major disruptions are expected to continue until the end of the day.
London Overground services have since resumed normal operations, according to National Rail.
Affected operators and routes
South Western Railway, CrossCountry, Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink all experienced disruptions. South Western Railway described the situation as "significant," with trains potentially held at stations, timetables altered at short notice, and platform information subject to change.
Southern Railway reported particular delays on services to and from London Victoria, as well as its West Coastway route between Brighton and Portsmouth or Southampton. Passengers were warned that journeys could take at least an additional 60 minutes and may require alternative routes or operators.
Gatwick Express also faced delays on services to and from London Victoria, while Thameslink reported likely disruptions on routes to Brighton, Horsham, and Three Bridges.
GTR, which operates Southern, Gatwick Express, and Thameslink, apologized for the disruption, noting that services west of Chichester in West Sussex were affected. The company urged passengers to check their journeys before traveling.
Great Western Railway confirmed its services had returned to normal shortly after midday.
Passenger impact and compensation
Passengers were advised to check for updates before traveling and were informed that their tickets would be valid on alternative routes, including other rail operators, buses, and the London Underground. South Western Railway also offered passengers the option to use their tickets on Friday at no extra cost.
Gemma Givans, a 28-year-old tattooist, told the BBC her train from London Victoria was canceled, jeopardizing her income for the day. "If I don't work, I don't get paid," she said, adding that recent rail disruptions had been "really inconvenient."
Caleb Anderson, an 18-year-old sixth-form student, faced delays on his journey from Portsmouth to college in Winchester. With his A-Levels approaching, he described the situation as "stressful" and said a friend would collect him by car.
Paul Barrick, 50, from Basingstoke, was traveling to Portsmouth to catch a ferry to the Isle of Wight for a 30-mile coastline hike. He said the delays meant he would miss his ferry and described the morning as "a lot of inconvenience" for passengers.
National Rail provides guidance on compensation for delayed or canceled journeys.
Advice for travelers
Passengers are urged to check their journeys before traveling and consider alternative routes where possible. Tickets remain valid on other rail services, buses, and the London Underground for affected journeys.
