Explanation given for train delays in Sussex and Surrey

Rail operator Southern Rail began reporting problems during the morning affecting trains between Dorking and Epsom, with engineers later working on defective signalling equipment.

Initial disruption reported

At 10.30am, Southern confirmed the issue, telling passengers: “Due to a fault with the signalling system between Dorking and Epsom, services are being disrupted.”

Passengers were warned they might need to take different routes and allow extra time for journeys. Some trains running between London Victoria and Horsham were unable to complete their full route.

Southern said: “Some services that normally run between London Victoria and Horsham will terminate and restart at Epsom.”

Stations including Holmwood, Ockley and Warnham were left without trains until at least 12.40pm, with buses initially being arranged.

Alternative routes and replacement buses

By 11am, Southern confirmed further changes to services: “Trains that normally run between London Victoria and Horsham via Dorking will terminate and restart at Epsom.”

Rail replacement buses were being organised between Horsham and Leatherhead, allowing passengers to connect with services run by South Western Railway towards London via Wimbledon.

Passengers were also told they could use tickets on other services at no extra cost, including: Alternative Southern and Thameslink services on reasonable routes; South Western Railway trains between Leatherhead and London; Metrobus route 93 between Horsham and Dorking; and Great Western Railway services between Dorking Deepdene railway station and Gatwick Airport.

At 11.20am, Southern confirmed replacement transport was on its way: “Buses have now been confirmed and are on the way to Horsham and Leatherhead, between which they will be providing a rail replacement service until trains resume running.”

Passengers were advised journeys could take longer than usual, with people recommend to leave ‘at least 30 minutes more time to complete your journey’.

Engineers attend signalling fault

By 12.25pm, engineers had arrived at the site to begin repairs.

Southern stated: “Engineers are on site to work on the issue that is affecting the signalling equipment.”

Further cancellations were confirmed, while replacement buses continued to run between Horsham and Leatherhead.

Passengers heading for London were advised to travel by bus to Leatherhead and connect with South Western Railway services there, while travellers from Dorking could also reach London via Gatwick Airport using Great Western Railway services.

Disruption continues into afternoon

At 1.35pm, the operator reminded passengers that disruption was ongoing: “As a reminder, services between Dorking and Epsom remain disrupted.”

Passengers were told they would need to use alternative routes and allow at least 30 minutes extra travel time.

Later, around 3.40pm, Southern again warned travellers to check journeys before setting out: “Rail replacement buses are running between Horsham and Leatherhead. Travelling via an alternative route will take at least 30 minutes more time than usual.”

Evening travel affected

By 5pm, engineers were still working to repair the signalling equipment and there was still no estimate for when the railway would fully reopen.

A Southern update read: “Currently, we do not have an estimate for when the lines will be able to reopen.”

Passengers planning to travel in the evening were advised to check before leaving and expect delays.

At 5.25pm, services between London Victoria and Horsham were terminating at Leatherhead instead.

Rail replacement buses continued to run between Horsham and Dorking until 6.40pm.

Passengers travelling later were told they could use Transport for London buses between Dorking and Epsom at no extra cost.

Disruption expected until end of day

At 6.15pm, Southern confirmed the disruption is ‘expected to last until the end of the day’.

“One train will be able to run the full route to Horsham, however it will need to run at reduced speeds,” Southern added. This train will be departing Epsom at 18:24.”

In the latest update at 6.40pm, the operator confirmed ticket acceptance on several alternative routes, including Southern services between Horsham and London, South Western Railway services from Dorking or Wimbledon, Great Western Railway trains from Dorking Deepdene to Redhill or Gatwick Airport, Metrobus 93, and TfL buses between Leatherhead and Dorking.

Passengers were again urged to check their journey and allow extra time to travel.

To claim compensation for delays of 15 minutes or more, visit: https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation