Trains have now resumed operations departing from London Euston following a significant service disruption. The disruption led to the cancellation of all northbound services out of London last night, affecting multiple Avanti West Coast routes, including those to and from Manchester, Liverpool, Scotland, and north Wales.
The disruption was attributed to signalling issues at Stafford along the Avanti West Coast route. In response, Avanti West Coast and National Rail have swiftly arranged alternative travel arrangements, including ticket-acceptance agreements with various operators such as LNER, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, and TransPennine Express.
Passengers holding tickets for November 21 were informed that they could travel on November 22 without additional charges or opt for a full refund if they decided not to proceed with their journeys. Social media posts showed the chaotic scenes outside Euston station, with reports of long queues and overcrowding both inside and outside the station.
National Rail has implemented safety protocols due to the overcrowding situation. As the situation evolves, it remains uncertain whether tomorrow’s scheduled services will operate as planned. Avanti West Coast has advised passengers to stay updated for any developments, stating that the impact on tomorrow’s services is still unknown.
Avanti West Coast has described the signalling fault at Stafford as a “major” issue, severely affecting services between London Euston and various destinations. Passengers have been advised not to attempt travel as significant disruptions are expected throughout the day.
For passengers holding Avanti West Coast tickets dated November 21, the option to travel on November 22 at no extra cost has been extended. Additionally, passengers who faced delays of 15 minutes or more can claim compensation from the respective train companies. Ticket-acceptance agreements have been established with other operators for affected routes.
Despite the challenges, efforts are in place to address the disruptions and ensure passenger safety and convenience. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving situation and follow updates from Avanti West Coast and National Rail.