PEOPLE looking to travel on Great Western Railway routes from Reading are being warned – check first, and leave early.
Services are being affected by flooding and, in Pangbourne, a police incident.
GWR says there is only one route to west, and flooding is blocking direct services to South Wales and Devon and Cornwall.
The closure of railway lines last night due to a person being hit by a train in Pangbourne has left crews and trains displaced, adding to the difficulties on routes.
Lines are closed between Reading and Taunton, and Swindon and Bristol Parkway, and fewer trains are in operation. This means more demand for the available seats – and tghere may be more short notice cancellations.
GWR expects to be able to operate a train an hour on the following routes, between:
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London Paddington and Weston-Super-Mare via Bristol Temple Meads
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London Paddington and Swansea (via Bristol Temple Meads)
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London Paddington and Plymouth/Penzance
Services between London Paddington and the North Cotswolds (via Oxford), and the South Cotswolds continue to operate but could be reduced due to the disruption caused by flooding elsewhere. Services in London and the Thames Valley continue to operate, however flooding at Didcot station is preventing some services from being able to stop there.
A spokesperson for Great Western Railway said: “We’re really sorry for the disruption customers are experiencing, especially those caught up yesterday evening after a person was sadly hit by a train near Reading.
“Police dealing with the incident took control of the line, which meant we couldn’t run trains through the affected area until it was handed back earlier this morning. This is unfortunately having a significant impact today.”
Customers with tickets for yesterday (Thursday, January 4), and today, will be able to use them tomorrow (Saturday, January 6).
Those who do not travel, or their service is delayed by 15 minutes of more, may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation.
For more details, log on to: GWR.com/delayrepay
