Major train disruption after signalling failure

Full signalling has now been restored between St Pancras and Bedford after Network Rail engineers repaired the fault.

However, passengers are advised to expect delays and short-notice cancellations until further notice as train services return to normal.

East Midlands Trains passengers can use their ticket to travel on any East Midlands Trains service. In addition, East Midlands Trains tickets are being currently accepted on East Coast, Virgin, CrossCountry and London Midland train services.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Trains said: “Services on our network are now running again after full signalling was restored in the Leagrave area.

“However, there are likely to be knock-on delays until further notice as a result of the earlier problem. We would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience these delays may cause and would like to thank them for their patience.”

Passengers can obtain more information by visiting www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk, using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner or by callingTrainTracker on 0871 200 49 50.

A First Capital Connect spokesman said that because the fault happened in the early hours of this morning (2.15am) and lasted until 7.45am, it has also prevented carriages from being moved into the places they needed to be for this morning’s service, causing additional widespread cancellations across the route

Customers north of London are being encouraged to use the Great Northern route wherever possible on which Thameslink route tickets will be valid. Car park tickets for Thameslink route stations will also be valid on the Great Northern route. A bus service is being put into place between Bedford and Sandy.

Customers can also take the 300, 301 and 724 buses from St Albans to Hatfield from where their tickets will be valid into London.

First Capital Connect tickets are also valid on Southern, London Buses, London Underground and Croydon Tramlink services via any reasonable route until further notice.