Just two trains an hour are running on the Brighton to Bedford line this evening – a quarter of its usual service – thanks to the bad weather.
First Capital Connect released this statement on its website explaining the problems:
“During the unprecedented cold weather our Thameslink route fleet has developed technical problems including train motor failures. The majority of these faults developed while trying to provide a service through heavy snow and sub-zero conditions.
“Our engineering team is working around the clock to repair the trains as quickly as possible. However, a number remain out of action which is affecting the level of service we can provide.
“We will be re-introducing trains as soon as they are cleared for service. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience experienced this morning and over the recent weeks on Thameslink services.”
The cancellations have enraged commuters, such as Mark King, who tweeted: “All trains cancelled from St Pancras. FCC fail!”
There are live train updates here. FCC said that it hoped to return to the timetable it introduced to deal with staff shortages tomorrow.
Southern also said that it hoped to be running a normal service to London from Brighton, Hove and Portslade and back again tomorrow after disruption caused by the snow and ice.
