Brighton Station was packed with frustrated passengers this morning (Tuesday 11 October) after engineering work overran as guards went on strike.
Thousands of commuters were still waiting for the first train to leave at 8am – with the first London train listed for an 8.27am departure.
Train guards belonging to the RMT union were due to start a three-day strike today in their long-running dispute with Southern, the train operator owned by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).
As a result the roads were rammed on routes out of Brighton including heavy traffic on the A23 Brighton bypass.
Network Rail said: “The overrunning engineering work in the Balcombe area has now been completed, allowing all lines between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges to reopen.
“Trains between Brighton and Three Bridges may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes due to trains and train crew being out of position.”
The problem was caused when a maintenance train broke down in the Balcombe tunnel.
This just gets worse, Although I sympathise with those that want to strike these are crippling Brighton.
I have been trying to make a London hospital appointment for several months and have been thwarted at each attempt.
Surely it is time to get back around the table and into talks.
Please sort this out so some of can access vital appointments.