Train services are returning to normal for Thameslink passengers and a full service is in operation on East Midlands Trains this morning (Friday 11 November). Engineers successfully tested and brought into service a new signalling control system after the old one was damaged beyond repair by a power surge.
Rail passengers are being thanked for their patience as engineers continue to fix signalling equipment which was damaged at Luton on Tuesday (8 November). A cable came into contact with the overhead lines, causing a power surge which caused extensive damage to the signalling which controls trains.
Rail passengers are being advise to check before they travel on Thursday 10 November as some continued disruption is expected to Thameslink services with alterations also possible on East Midlands Trains.
Seven-year-old Alfie of Dunstable couldn’t believe his eyes when Santa and his reindeer climbed aboard one of Thameslink’s brand new trains at Bedford station to let the train take the strain out of some early Christmas gift-hunting.
All aboard – the new Thameslink train (shown here at Blackfriars) has space for all its passengers on the suburban route
ASLEF has had to cancel its ballot of Southern drivers only a day after it started, rail operator Govia Thameslink Railway confirmed today (7 November).
In response to the latest announcement from the RMT Union a spokesman for Southern said: “Not content with causing months of misery, the RMT has now hit a new low and is determined to cancel Christmas for the travelling public."
Cricklewood Town Team and the local library have helped Thameslink open a pop-up community library at its railway station.
Southern is putting on extra trains as the RMT union gears-up for two further days of strike action this week on Friday 4 and Saturday 5 November.
GTR, parent company of Southern Railway, has today told the RMT union it will rescind its "full and comprehensive offer" if further strike action goes ahead.
No trains will stop at Lewes or several neighbouring stations after midday on Saturday 5th November – bonfire night – and road restrictions will apply.
Thameslink services are being severely disrupted at Blackfriars.
