Disruption between Hastings and Ashford International expected until the end of the day 

Route(s) affected

Between Hastings and Ashford International

Description

A fault on a train between Hastings and Ashford International means the line towards Ashford International is blocked. As a result, trains running between these stations may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised.

This is expected until the end of the day.

Customer advice:

Due to a fault on a train in the Hastings area, services between Hastings and Ashford International are unable to run.

You will need to use an alternative route to complete your journey and should allow an additional 30 minutes to complete your journey.

For the latest information speak to station staff, listen to station announcements and use online journey planners to help you reach your destination.

The following stations are currently not being served:

• Ore

• Three Oaks

• Doleham

• Winchelsea

• Rye

• Appledore

• Ham Street

Ticket Acceptance:

Your ticket can be used at no extra cost on the following;

• Southeastern services between Hastings and Tonbridge via Tonbridge Wells

Passenger heading to Ashford International:

Please use an alternative Southeastern service from Hastings to Tonbridge where you can connect to additional services to complete your onward journey towards Ashford International.

Replacement buses:

Rail replacement buses have been organised to run in place of the last train services between Hastings and Ashford International. These buses will run to the following times:

• 22:24 running from Hastings to Ashford International

• 23:25 running from Ashford International to Hastings

Journey planners have been updated to include these buses and their timings for intermediate stations.

Bus journeys will take longer than your usual train journey on this route, we recommend leaving at least 40 minutes more time to travel.

Planning your journey:

You can use live departure boards, and a live map of the network.

You can see an alternative route guide.

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

You can also use Southern's app to find up-to-date information.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

Unfortunately, a Southern service between Hastings and Ashford International has developed a fault. The nature of the issue means it can't move, so it's blocking the line through this area towards Ashford International.

It's likely that in this case, Southern will need to send their specialist engineers to site, known as "fitters". They have fitters based in key locations around the network, 24 hours a day, and they are able to attend anywhere on their routes. Once they are on site, they will then monitor progress updates and ensure that the railway can be reopened as promptly as possible.

Southern may also need to send another train to tow the defective one away. This procedure, known as arranging a rescue train, will be done as quickly as possible, usually by sending a similar type of train to attach. The combined train will be taken out of use and sent to a depot.

Until the defective train can be moved, they will try to find a way to get other trains around the issue. This depends how many lines are available, and whether the signalling equipment is set up to allow trains to be routed around the problem. This is more often the case on their major routes, but not always. They will work with Network Rail's controllers to decide how many more trains can be sent through the area, and if this isn't possible, they will see what alternative solutions are available to help you continue 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.