Waterloo signal failure sees rail passengers hit with 'do not travel' warning

Rail passengers are being told not to travelthis morning after major signal failures at Waterloo Station.

South Western Railwaysaid it can't use platforms 1 to 14 at the major transport hub due to the failure of signalling equipment.

It has issued an apology to customers and advised them to monitor its channels for updates. National Rail has also warned of "major disruption" throughout the rest of the day.

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SWR said trains across its network "will be subject to cancellations, platform changes and major service alteration".

Passengers have been told that they will not be able to claim a taxi ride from SWR but will be allowed to use their Monday dated tickets on Tuesday.

The train company said: “Due to a major signalling failure at London Waterloo, please do not travel on our services this morning.

“The failure of the equipment that routes trains in and out of the station means we cannot use platforms 1 to 14 at London Waterloo at this time, significantly limiting capacity.

“Engineers are on site attempting to restore the use of the platforms, but with very few trains able to move in and out of London Waterloo and trains and crew already displaced, services across the network are severely disrupted.

“While we are hoping to restore some services later in the day, these are still likely to be subject to delays and alterations.

“Customers should please check back for updates. We are very sorry for the disruption to journeys this morning.”

One passenger took to Twitter to ask for the company's help, concerned that he would be unable to get to work due to the ongoing situation.

In response to the railway's announcement, he asked: "Surely we can get a taxi to work ?? Or you will be putting buses on? Please can’t just take a day off!"

South West Railway advised him to speak to station staff, repeating that it was advising customers not to travel to Waterloo.

A concerned husband asked the company: "What do those travellers on there way to London waterloo do about returning back to there original station? My wife is stranded in Woking and is unable to get back to farnham. Can she use a taxi?"

Another woman wrote: "When you're up bright and early and at the train station to get to Aveda in London, looking forward to your training day, only for all trains up to Waterloo to be cancelled and other means of travel not advised due to a code black! All dressed up and nowhere to go."

The Office of Rail and Road said Waterloo had around 62.5million entries and exits in 2023/24 - making it the fourth busiest train station in London last year.

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