Disruption between London St Pancras International and London Blackfriars expected until 17:00 

Route(s) affected

Between London St Pancras International and London Blackfriars

Description

A fault with the signalling system between City Thameslink and London Blackfriars is causing disruption to journeys between London St Pancras International and London Blackfriars. As a result, trains may be cancelled or delayed.

We expect this to continue until 17:00.

Customer advice:

If you're travelling with Thameslink this afternoon, your journey is likely to take at least 30 minutes longer than usual. You may need to change trains to reach your destination, or wait longer for the next available train.

If you have not yet started your journey, please check journey planners and station information boards before you travel, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

Some services have been suspended, so carefully check station information screens and journey planners before you board.

Changes to service:

Bedford to East Grinstead services are suspended:

You can use Southern services between East Croydon and East Grinstead instead.

Luton to Kentish Town services are suspended:

Please use alternative Thameslink services for Luton, and Southeastern services to and from Orpington.

Bedford to Three Bridges services (direct) are suspended:

Please use alternative Thameslink services between Bedford and Brighton. You can also use alternative Southern services between Three Bridges and London stations.

Welwyn Garden City to Sevenoaks services:

Services will run to and from London Blackfriars only. Please use alternative Great Northern services to and from Welwyn Garden City via London Kings Cross.

What alternative options do I have?
You can use your ticket with the following at no additional cost:

North of London

• Alternative Thameslink and Great Northern services on any reasonable route towards your destination

Across central London

• London Underground services through and around London

• Elizabeth line services between Farringdon, London Liverpool Street and Abbey Wood

• London Buses between London Blackfriars and London St Pancras International

South of London

• Alternative Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services on any reasonable route towards your destination

• Southeastern services on routes between Dartford / Rainham and London (Some services will also call additionally at Higham)

• Metrobus 100 between Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, Horley, Salfords, Earlswood and Redhill

If you're waiting on a train which is delayed between stations:

If your train is delayed between stations, please stay on board and listen for updates. You can also ask staff if you need more information. Thameslink know where you are and are working to get you moving as soon as possible.

For your safety, please don’t leave the train unless instructed. Other trains may still be running, and the tracks can be very dangerous.

Planning your journey:

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

You can also view 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.

You can use the Thameslink app to find up-to-date information.

Can you tell me more about the incident?

This part of the network uses track circuits to detect trains. If a circuit fails, the system may think a train is still there, blocking others from moving forward.

Drivers must stop at red signals and get verbal permission to proceed at a reduced speed, which can cause significant delays, especially in areas with long track sections.

Faults can be caused by electronic issues or track obstructions. Network Rail is investigating, and well share updates as soon as we have them.

Check before you travel:

You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries 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.