Incident resolved: disruption between Alexandra Palace and Hitchin expected until 11:30 

Route(s) affected

between Alexandra Palace and Hitchin

Description

Trains are returning to normal following a fault with the on train signalling system between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin. Whilst service recovers, trains running between Alexandra Palace and Hitchin may still be cancelled, delayed by up to 40 minutes or revised.

This is expected until 11:30.

Customer advice:

If you are travelling between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin you can travel on your normal route, but services will be disrupted.

You will need to allow at least an additional 20 minutes to complete your journey.

Please talk to station staff, look at the information boards or check your journey planner for the most recent information.

Planning your journey:

For help planning your journey, check live departure boards, view a live network map or see alternative route guides.

If you’re travelling within London, you can use the TfL Journey Planner.

Stay up to date on the move with Thameslink's WhatsApp channel. Live updates are available Monday to Friday, 07:00–21:00.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

A fault affecting the European Train Control System (ETCS) in the Welwyn Garden City area has been reported earlier today

ETCS is a safety-critical signalling system. When a fault occurs, it must be investigated before trains can continue safely.

Trains were held at their locations whilst the fault was being investigated, which has lead to delays in this area. Thank you for your understanding and patience whilst recovery of the scheduled timetable is ongoing.

Ticket flexibility:

If your train is cancelled, you will be able to travel on an alternative service operated by any other participating train company, either two hours before or two hours after the original departure time of the cancelled service, in order to reach your destination.

If you decide not to travel or cannot complete your journey due to cancellations, you are entitled to a full refund from your original point of sale.

For further information and guidance please contact your train company or speak to a member of railway staff.

Check before you travel:

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

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.