Disruption between Hastings and Ashford International expected until 21:00 

Route(s) affected

Between Eastbourne and Ashford International

Description

A fault on a train between Hastings and Ashford International means that the line towards Ashford International is disrupted.

Trains running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Disruption is expected until 21:00.

Customer advice:

If you are travelling between Hastings and Ashford International you may need to use an alternative route to complete your journey. This is due to a fault on a train in the Ore area.

Your journey may take longer than normal and you should allow an additional 60 minutes extra to reach your destination

For the latest information, check station screens and use online journey planners.

Ticket acceptance:

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

• Alternative Southern services between Hastings and Ashford International

• Southeastern services between Hastings and Ashford International via Tonbridge

• Stagecoach bus service 100 between St Leonards Warrior Square, Hastings, Ore, Winchelsea (Town), Rye

Replacement buses are en route:

Some replacement buses have been sourced, and you may be able to use these to get to your destination. These buses are expected to arrive between 18:50 and 19:00. They are then due to operate on the following routes:

• Ashford International to Hastings

• Hastings to run shuttles to Ashford International

Our bus supplier will be Big Lemon, Ramel Hamilton and Wealden Minibuses.

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.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

The train running between Ore and Brighton has developed a fault. The nature of the issue means it can't move, so it's blocking the line through this area.

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

Another train may be needed 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, we 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 major routes, but not always. Southern 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'll 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 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.