Train updates - live: King’s Cross services cancelled due to electrical damage ahead of nationwide strike

Delays around Edinburgh’s Haymarket station following trespasser on track

ScotRail is seeing some delays around Edinburgh due to a trespasser on the track at Haymarket station.

“Due to trespassers on the railway at Haymarket all lines are closed. Train services running through this station may be cancelled, delayed or revised,” the operator tweeted earlier today.

At 3.15pm, the operator updated customers that: “Following trespassers on the railway earlier today at Haymarket all lines have now reopened.”

However, they informed passengers that there may be some knock-on delays from the incident.

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 15:44

UEFA Women’s Semi-Final ticket holders warned to avoid trains

UEFA is reminding football fans to double check their journeys and avoid travel travel to Milton Keynes for the women’s semi-finals on Wednesday. It is encouraging ticket holders to book coach travel instead.

“Reminder: rail strikes are taking place on Wednesday, July 27. Train travel for the #GER v #FRA semi-final won’t be possible on matchday,” reads a statment posted to social media.

“Additional coach services to Milton Keynes from London have become available and can be booked below.”

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 15:22

What time are the last trains during this week’s strikes?

The rail strike this week will see train services start later and finish earlier than normal.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union workers employed by Network Rail and 14 rail operators will take part in a one-day stoppage on July 27 while TSSA members at Avanti West Coast will also be on strike.

Here are the times of some of the last trains expected to run on Wednesday afternoon under the reduced services, according to Network Rail:

Neil Lancefield26 July 2022 15:00

‘Dangerously crowded’ trains as Kings Cross passengers cram onto services

Amid heavy disruption at London’s Kings Cross, customers have taken to social media to complain about overcrowding on some services running north from London.

“There are people forced to travel standing in the toilets on this train as it is dangerously overcrowded. This is unsafe, unsanitary, and it stinks!” passenger Charlie Wray wrote to Cross Country trains on Twitter.

“We are already over 30 minutes late, there are people with disabilities on this train unable to access the toilets because the corridors are blocked solid - ‘sorry’ isn’t good enough!” she followed up, when the operator apologised.

“I’m afraid there isn’t anything we can do about the crowding on board, lots of people are travelling today to avoid strike action tomorrow and we’re also carrying passengers from other train operators who have been affected by major disruption on trains to/from London Kings Cross,” Cross Country has responded.

Meanwhile East Midlands customer Rob Townsend wrote: “Well done to EMR for worst train journey ever, stood all the way from St Pancras to Sheffield with no air con and the Kings Cross passengers rammed on, despite seat reservations @EastMidRailway.”

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 14:46

King’s Cross apologises for disruption

Kings Cross Station has apologised for the current delays to services in and out of the station, and confirmed that disription is likely to last into the evening.

“We’re sorry for the ongoing disruption between #KingsCross and #Peterborough,” reads a statement posted on Twitter.

“We’re working to repair the overhead line equipment. Services are likely to be impacted for the rest of the day, so please check your journey at: nationalrail.co.uk”.

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 14:37

Trains cancelled from King’s Cross

The travel chaos has begun a day early after nearly all trains from King’s Cross have been cancelled today.

Damage to the overhead electric wires between London Kings Cross and Peterborough means lines are blocked and are expected to remain so for the rest of day.

“We are advising not to travel today, Tuesday 26 July, between London Kings Cross and Peterborough due to the severity of today’s disruption,” says operator LNER. “We have also suspended all services from Leeds.”

Some trains appear to be running:

Helen Coffey26 July 2022 14:30

Will London’s TfL and Tube services be affected by this week’s train strikes?

Two major transport strikes are set to cause widespread disruption across the UK this week.

The first, on Wednesday 27 July, will see 40,000 members of the RMT union walk out for 24 hours. This is expected to cause major cancellations and delays not just on Wednesday but into Thursday as the network struggles to recover from the staff shortages.

The second strike is on Saturday 30 July, when train drivers across eight rail companies who are members of the Aslef union walk out for 24 hours.

Passengers are being urged not to travel by train on these days unless absolutely necessary.

Both strikes have some impact on London’s transport network, operated by TfL. So which lines are likely to be affected? Here’s everything you need to know.

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 12:30

Another union announces rail strikes as travel chaos looms

Another rail union has announced that its members will strike next month in response to the ongoing dispute over pay, job security and conditions.

Thousands of staff at seven rail operators – spanning those in operational, maintenance, supervisory and management roles – will walk out on 18 and 20 August, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) said on Monday.

It is the first rail-industry wide industrial action taken by TSSA in more than a generation, demonstrating the strength of feeling over pay and job security as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, the union said.

Read the full story:

Andy Gregory26 July 2022 10:46

Tui staff warn holidaymakers to plan ahead during train strike

Tui has issued a warning to customers setting off this week to prepare for train strikes that could scupper their journey to the airport.

The tour operator put out a statement to passengers reminding them of two days of industrial action on Britain’s railways, which will cause widespread delays and cancellations, and urged them to leave extra time for trips to catch flights.

Tui’s statement says: “We’d like to remind customers of a planned national train strike on Wednesday 27 July which is likely to affect services into airports across the country throughout the day and into Thursday 28.

“If you are heading on holiday on either of these days please plan ahead and make alternative plans to get to your departure airport if necessary. We’d also recommend allowing extra time for your journey.”

Lucy Thackray26 July 2022 09:56

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s travel liveblog. We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates throughout the day.

Helen Coffey26 July 2022 09:37

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