Rail network radio fault fixed but passengers still face train delays
Network Rail pointed to a failure with its GSM-R system as the cause of the widespread disruption on Friday morning, Good Morning Britain reports
A nationwide radio fault that disrupted train services has been fixed, but passengers across the UK are still facing delays, National Rail has said.
Passengers travelling with several railway operators on Friday morning suffered delays and cancellations due to an issue with the onboard GSM-R system, which enables train drivers to communicate with signallers.
"An overnight fault with our railway radio system in England and Wales has been traced to one of our major hubs near Stoke, which has now been fixed," A Network Rail spokesperson said.
"The fault meant that train drivers were having to manually log into the national radio network rather than it happening automatically.
"The system is now working normally. We’re sorry if your journey has been affected today as a result of this issue."
National Rail said a normal timetable has been reinstated; however, passengers should still anticipate potential train cancellations or delays of up to 15 minutes until 1.30pm.
So, how could this impact you? ITV News explains.
Here's the rundown of railway networks that are still disrupted near you
Elizabeth line
Trains serving Reading and Heathrow Airport are affected, travellers are advised to wait for the next available train if their service is cancelled.
South Western Railway
The railway network said there are disruptions to services between Winchester and Basingstoke.
ScotRail
ScotRail said all of its routes are disrupted. Its passengers are being permitted to travel via “any reasonable route” because of the issue.
Great Northern Rail
Great Northern reported disruptions in its train service between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.
Southern
Along with other railway networks, Southern is also disrupted.
Gatwick Express
Those heading off to Gatwick Airport or travelling to Victoria Station are facing delays.
Southeastern
Southeastern says trains are likely to experience delays and services may be altered as a result.
Thameslink
Services for Thameslink may experience disruptions this afternoon.
London Northwestern Railway
The London Northwestern service reports delays between London Euston and Crewe.
Network Rail is constantly providing updates on services marred by delays on X
Can you use your current ticket with other travel services?
Your current tickets will be accepted for no extra cost on the following routes:
- Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services on any reasonable route.
- Tickets can also be used on the London Underground on any reasonable route between London Terminals- South Western Railway tickets between Southampton Central, Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea and London Waterloo.Currently, Gatwick Express services do not accept tickets.
What is the GSM-R system?
GSM-R is designed to enable drivers and signallers to communicate digitally at all times, including while trains are in areas such as tunnels and deep cuttings where previous analogue systems did not work.
It was rolled out to increase safety and reduce costs by replacing the patchwork of inefficient legacy systems which were expensive to maintain.
Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.
Have you heard The Trapped? Listen as Daniel Hewitt exposes the UK's dirty secret.