GWR and LNER rail disruption expected to run into next week after cracks found in trains
The issue with high-speed Hitachi 800 trains is affecting services from Paddington and King's Cross
Major disruption on mainline rail links into and out of London Paddington and London King's Cross is expected to run into next week, after cracks were found in some high-speed trains.
Several Hitachi Class 800 trains have been withdrawn from service across the UK, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
It is affecting long-distance Great Western Railway services between London Paddington and destinations including Bristol, Penzance and Swansea.
GWR says the rail replacement services are very limited and passengers are being urged not to travel for the second day running.
LNER, which runs services between London, the north east of England and Scotland, is also advising people not to travel.
Check your journey with Great Western Railway
In a statement released on Saturday evening (May 8th), Great Western Railway said: "A number of Class 800 series Hitachi trains in use by several train companies have been withdrawn from service for precautionary safety checks.
"As a result we have had to cancel a significant number of long-distance train services on Saturday 8 May and disruption is expected to continue on Sunday 9 May, and into the following week.
"Train timetables are presently being worked on and will be published as soon as possible.
"While local services are running, we expect them to be very busy. Rail replacement services are extremely limited.
"Customers are advised not to travel on Sunday 9 May and refunds will be provided.
"The problem continues to be investigated by Hitachi and once trains have been checked and cleared, we hope to be able to release them back into service as soon as possible. A further update will be provided in due course".
Great Western Railway
On Saturday, the rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: "Routine checks of Hitachi trains early this morning identified cracks on part of the chassis of some trains. Safety is always our absolute priority, so these trains have been taken off the network to undergo full and rigorous checks.
"Hitachi are working to complete these strict precautionary checks. Trains will be returned to service as quickly as possible once they are fully approved as safe by the manufacturer.
"Whilst some trains are starting to be reintroduced, disruption is likely for a prolonged period, particularly on GWR.
"I share the frustration of passengers who are experiencing significant disruption and would ask people whose journeys are affected to check before travelling.
"I’ve asked operators to ensure extra staff are on hand to help people complete their journeys safely, to increase their communications with passengers and to make information on refunds and compensation clear.
"I’ve also asked all affected operators - GWR, LNER, Hull Trains and TransPennine Express - to explore all options to ensure they help people complete their journeys. That includes maintaining as many services as possible and providing additional rail replacement services.
"We’re also ensuring ticket acceptances are in place on other operators, who are looking at strengthening their services to provide passengers with alternative ways of completing their journey.
"We have also asked the industry to conduct a rapid and comprehensive review to resolve the issue".
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris