Issues resolved: Major disruption on the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink networks expected until 15:00 

Route(s) affected

Across the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink networks

Description

Following a number of incidents across the network earlier today, all lines have reopened. Gatwick Express, Southern, and Thameslink trains may still be cancelled, delayed or revised whilst service recovers.

Major disruption is expected until 15:00.

Customer advice:

There will be significant disruption to Thameslink services this afternoon, delay travelling where possible. Southern services will also be disrupted by this.

A number of incidents have been affecting journeys on the network today:

• There was an emergency services incident at Streatham Common

This incident has since cleared and the first services to run will be:

• The 11.54 Caterham to London Victoria

• The 12.30 London Victoria to Epsom Downs
  

A person was hit by a train earlier today between Bedford and Luton.

Lines have reopened, however Harlington station will not be served in either direction until further notice. Please follow the below advice for journeys to/from this station.

If you've been affected by what happened on the network today, there is always someone to talk to. You can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 from any phone for a confidential chat.

If you are travelling between Bedford, Luton and London:

A reduced Thameslink service will be operating on this route, and trains will not be calling at Harlington until further notice.

Services are unlikely to run beyond St Pancras International in the southbound direction, so you are strongly advised to use London Underground services to London Victoria for Southern and Gatwick Express services to East Croydon and Brighton.

Please note, that due to the earlier incident between Luton and Bedford, services are experiencing delays of up to 40 minutes so it may be best for you to use an alternative route.

If you are travelling between London, East Croydon and Brighton on a Thameslink service:

Thameslink and Southern services will be severely disrupted on this route. Trains will not be running between East Croydon and London Bridge so your quickest option will be to travel on alternative Southern services to / from London Victoria.

Thameslink would advise that you delay your travel where possible, as your journey time will be extended by at least 40-50 minutes.

Southern services that usually run between Caterham and London Bridge will also be subject to alterations and likely operate a reduced service. If your train is cancelled you can use your ticket with London Buses route 407 between Caterham and Purley.

Alternative transport options:

Your ticket will be accepted at no extra cost on:

North of London:

• London Northwestern Railway services between Milton Keynes Central, Bletchley, Watford Junction and London Euston and between St Albans Abbey and Watford Junction

• LNER services between London and Peterborough

• London Buses between Elstree & Borehamwood and central London

• Thameslink or Great Northern services between Peterborough, St Neots, Hitchin and central London

South of London:

• London Buses between central London and Croydon

• London Trams between Wimbledon, Mitcham, Croydon and Beckenham

• London Underground services across London on any reasonable route

• Southern services between London Bridge or London Victoria and East Croydon, and also as far as Redhill, Gatwick Airport and the south coast

• Gatwick Express services between London Victoria, Gatwick Airport, Haywards Heath and Brighton

• South Western Railway services between London Waterloo and Epsom

• Metrobus route 100 between Redhill, Earlswood, Salfords, Horley

Rail replacement buses:

A limited replacement bus service has been confirmed to run between Bedford, Flitwick, Harlington, Leagrave and Luton (Some to be non-stop between Bedford and Luton) These will be supplied by ALM and Arriva. Please speak with station staff for timings and departures.

Planning your journey:

You can view live departure boards, a live map of the network and use an alternative route guide to help you complete your journey.

If you're travelling in the London area, you can plan journeys on alternative routes by using the TfL Journey Planner.

The Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink apps will also help you plan your journey.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

For helpful advice if you need to travel on a rail replacement service, including accessibility and bicycle information, please use our Rail Replacement Services page.

You can find the pick-up and drop-off location of rail replacement services by checking station signage or by searching for your station on our Find a Station page.

Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.

Compensation:

You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.