Significant disruption to GWR train services this morning
GWR is advising customers not to attempt to travel between London Paddington and Reading this morning, following damage to the overhead line equipment yesterday evening.
Network Rail engineers continue to work to fix the problem, however some lines remained blocked impacting on train services this morning.
Disruption is expected to continue until at least midday, and customers warned not to travel between London Paddington and Reading.
Elsewhere on the GWR network, flooding has blocked railway lines between Plymouth and Totnes, preventing trains from entering/leaving Devon and Cornwall. Due to road conditions and the availability of buses, no replacement bus transport is in place.
Long distance customers are advised not to attempt to travel through the area. Trains continue to operate between Penzance and Plymouth, and between Exeter and London Paddington, while a limited service will operate between Exeter St Davids and Totnes.
GWR Customer Service and Operations Director Richard Rowland said:
“We’re really sorry for customers whose journeys have been disrupted following damage to overhead wires just outside London Paddington last night.
“For the safety of passengers all trains were stopped following the incident. Unfortunately, this disruption continues this morning and we are further impacted by flooding near Plymouth. We would urge customers in these areas to delay their journeys for the time being.
“I would like also to thank those travelling for their patience and understanding while we work with Network Rail to resolve these issues.”
To help customers delay their journeys those with tickets for travel today Friday 8 December will be able to use their ticket up to and including Tuesday 12 December.
Customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a refund or amend their ticket. Those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.