Train delays explained in Sussex and Surrey amid multiple incidents
Trains have been subject to delays in Sussex and Surrey, due to multiple incidents on Sunday evening and Monday morning.
The most recent incident was reported by Southern Rail at 7am – a fault on a train between Uckfield and Crowborough.
Earlier on Monday (November 10), a fault with the signalling system was reported between Brighton and Hove.
A failure of the electricity between Clapham Junction and London Victoria is also causing disruption to journeys between these stations.
On Friday evening, Thameslink reported that its services were impacted by ‘urgent repairs’ to the track at East Croydon.
Meanwhile, ‘due to a safety inspection of the track’ at Mitcham Eastfields, trains running in the direction towards Sutton had to do so at reduced speeds.
East Sussex incidents
A fault on a train between Uckfield and Crowborough means some lines are disrupted, according to Southern Rail.
"As a result, trains may be delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised,” a travel notice, shortly after 7am, read.
"Disruption is expected until 09:00. Services may be subject to cancellations and alterations.
“Southern services between that run between Uckfield and London Bridge will be subject to alterations and possible cancellations.
“You may need to use an alternative route for your journey, we'd recommend allowing 20 to 30 minutes of extra time.”
Your ticket will be accepted at no extra cost on the following:
• Brighton & Hove bus route 29 between Lewes, Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge and Tunbridge Wells;
• Southern services on any reasonable route;
• Southeastern services between Tunbridge Wells and London;
• London Underground on any reasonable route.
"When a fault occurs, our crews first try to fix it within about 10 minutes,” Southern Rail added.
"If that’s not possible, we may take the train out of service and move it to a depot, which takes extra time as passengers need to leave safely.
“If the train can’t be moved, our specialist engineers (fitters) will attend the site. They’re available 24/7 and will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
“Until the train is moved, we’ll try to reroute other services where possible, working with Network Rail to keep disruption to a minimum.”
As reported at 6.15am, a fault with the signalling system between Brighton and Hove is ‘resulting in delays of around five to ten minutes’.
Southern Rail added: “If you are travelling between Hove and Brighton, please travel to Preston Park and change there.
“A fault with the signalling system between Brighton and Hove means trains have to run at a reduced speed on some lines. As a result, trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 20 minutes or revised.”
Disruption is expected until 8.40am.
Southern reported: “Most services will continue to run as booked, but some may have cancelled stops, or will terminate and restart at a different station than planned, for example Hove.
“You can travel using your normal route, but please check before you travel and allow some extra time for your journey.
“If your planned train is affected then you may need to take a different train than planned, or change trains en route.
“For journeys between Brighton and Hove it is recommend travelling via Preston Park as an alternative. You should allow at least 15 minutes extra time to do this.
“Your ticket will be accepted on alternative Southern services on any reasonable route, and Thameslink services between Brighton and Preston Park.
“Please make sure to check your train before arriving at the station this morning.”
This part of the network uses track circuits to detect trains. If a circuit fails, the system ‘may think a train is still there, blocking others from moving forward’, the train company explained.
Southern added: “Drivers must stop at red signals and get verbal permission to proceed at a reduced speed, which can cause significant delays, especially in areas with long track sections.
“Faults can be caused by electronic issues or track obstructions. Network Rail is investigating, and Southern will share updates as soon as they have them. Thank you for your patience.”
London-area incidents impact local services
A failure of the electricity between Clapham Junction and London Victoria is causing disruption to journeys between these stations, Southern Rail reported.
"As a result, trains may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised,” a travel notice added.
"This is expected until 10:00.”
The issue is preventing trains from leaving the depot this morning. This is especially expected to impact the following:
– Gatwick Express services between London Victoria, Gatwick Airport and Brighton;
– Southern services between East Grinstead and London Victoria;
– Southern services between Horsham/Dorking/Epsom and London Victoria (via Sutton);
– Southern services between Epsom Downs and London Victoria;
– Southern services between East Croydon/West Croydon and London Victoria.
Southern Rail added: “Some services may be cancelled or amended, and some services may run with less coaches compared to normal. Where services are amended, this means that they may terminate and restart at a different station to normal.
“Please check before you travel this morning. If your planned train is affected then you will need to take a different train than planned, or change trains en route. Please note that services are likely to be busier than usual so you may wish to consider delaying your journey until after peak time.”
Gatwick Express and Southern are working with Network Rail and electricity suppliers to fix the problem ‘as soon as possible’.
Southern added: “Delays and changes are expected. If you're on a delayed train, please listen for updates from the crew or reach out to us on social media for support.”
Around 6pm on Friday (November 9), lines were blocked at East Croydon so that ‘urgent’ track repairs could be carried out.
Passengers were told to use an alternative route to complete your journey, with trains expected to be delayed.
All lines had reopened by 6,30pm but services were subject to delays of up to 20 minutes.
Thameslink added: “Some trains may not call at all scheduled stations, so please make sure to listen and watch out for any updates at stations/ on board the trains.
“If you need to change trains, your ticket will be accepted on alternative Southern and Thameslink services via any reasonable route.”
Disruption came to an end shortly after 8pm.
Around the same time, disruption came to an end after a safety inspection of the track at Mitcham Eastfields. Thameslink reported at 5pm that trains running in the direction towards Sutton in Surrey would need to do so at reduced speeds.
Don't forget, if you have been delayed by 15 minutes or longer – because of any of the above incidents – you will be entitled to compensation. For more information and to check your eligibility for delay repay, visit: https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation