Off the rails: the derailed Southern train outside Selhurst depot this morning
A derailed train at the Selhurst depot and signalling faults on the line between Norwood Junction and Blackfriars have caused massive disruption for rail commuters this morning. Southern and Thameslink services from Brighton through central London to Cambridge, Peterborough and Bedford are expected to be affected for the rest of the day, according to the rail operators.
While commuters at East Croydon endured a crunch on platforms waiting for London Bridge-bound services during the morning rush hour, those who travel into central London via Victoria reported crowded trains but were still able to complete their daily journeys as usual.
Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express – all operated by Govia Thameslink Railway – issued a “do not travel” alert to passengers not long after 7am, due to what they described as “multiple incidents” on rail lines.
“Trains may be cancelled, severely delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised,” National Rail said.
Services which were cancelled in both directions this morning “until further notice” were:
- London Bridge – East Grinstead
- Orpington – Luton
- Brighton – Cambridge
- Bedford – Three Bridges
A spokesperson for Govia said it is “very sorry for the disruption” this morning.
The operator said that it is “working with Network Rail to resolve these issues as quickly as possible”.
By 10am, earlier estimates that services might return to normal by 1pm had been superseded by the suggestion that the disruption would last all day.
According to National Rail, for passengers travelling north of London, a ticket acceptance scheme is in place on alternative Thameslink and Great Northern services, and East Midland Railway services between Bedford and St Pancras.
For journeys through London, passengers can use alternative Thameslink and Southern services as well as London buses, the Tube, the Elizabeth line and Croydon trams between Wimbledon, Mitcham Junction and East Croydon.
South of London, companies Metrobus and Brighton and Hove Buses say they are part of the ticket acceptance scheme which covers various areas across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
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Thankfully it appears that no one was injured but it is still worrying that there is a train derailment in such a busy area of South London.
I hope the investigation is conducted quickly so that any faults identified can be checked across the network. Trains are one of the safest ways to travel and passengers need reassurance that any problems are dealt with swiftly.
And the pope’s a catholic Peter. Is there a Green solution to derailment? If so, let’s hear it
Did you run this comment through AI to remove any traces of originality, human speech or insight? It reads like a particularly beige Chat GPT.
I went into the office on a Thameslink train on Monday, but today looks like a good day to work from home (not so good if you don’t have that option !)