Many of you will be aware of the train safety issue on GWR trains that caused significant disruption over the weekend. I want to make sure that I keep constituents up to date as I know this will impact those travelling in this period.
Background of the issue:
- Cracks have appeared under the train carriages on the lifting points, which are blocks of aluminium that sit under the train carriage. The lifting points are used in depots for maintenance when teams need to lift a train. They are not used as part of the normal operation of the train. However, there is a small risk that they could become dislodged.
- Hitachi, the rail regulator and train operators will not put trains back into service until they are all confident it is safe to do so. Hitachi will continue to inspect all trains on a daily basis
Current information on the cracking issue:
- All IET Trains are subject to daily checks. So, the number of trains that operators can use may change meaning the service that can be offered to passengers is subject to alteration at short notice.
- The DfT has outlined its key priorities which are:
- Can we safely run trains with cracks where they have been discovered and if we can, how many trains does this allow to return to service and how quickly this can be done.
- What does a close inspection regime look like to support this return to service and one that Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) are prepared to stand behind?
- Once Hitachi have identified a solution what does the forward repair plan look like and what impact does this have on future trains services, and when does this programme get to a condition where it is no longer impacting train services.
- Hitachi is working with operators to agree a risk assessment and safety inspection to enable some trains to be able to run.
- It is not yet clear how many sets could be released for service, and preparations continue in the event the number is very low.
Update from operators (as of 16:30 10/05/21)
- GWR long-distance routes are heavily impacted and those passengers are being advised not to travel, over all GWR is running 85% of its services when regional and commuter routes are taken into account.
- LNER has high-speed trains available to use and it is able to run a limited service with no trains north of Edinburgh, although passengers may travel in both directions on Scotrail services using their existing tickets. Some trains will be cancelled and passengers are being advised to check before they travel and to make a reservation on the LNER website.
- TransPennine Express will be confirming an amended timetable for tomorrow as soon as possible. • ScotRail is able to run a normal service with no cancellations. Fewer than one per cent of ScotRail’s 2,000 daily services will see reduced carriages.
- Hull Trains are currently running a normal service with their rolling stock having been cleared to re-enter service.
Further information: GWR (as most heavily impacted operator)
- GWT is looking at a number of options for additional trains to support their service, but GWR operates with Automatic Train Protection on the route which is not fitted to other operator’s trains.
- Looking at potentially a small number of IET from TransPennine Express and 3 class 387s from c2c.
Ticket acceptance / Refunds
GWR is offering customers a full refund if unable to travel and is also offering a Ticket Easement until Sunday 16 May to encourage passengers not to travel.
Support being provided by other operators
- Cross Country is providing shuttle services between Swindon and Bristol Temple Meads via Chippenham and Bath Spa.
- SWR are also looking at options for augmenting some services.
- Transport for Wales is augmenting services between Bridgend and Newport via Cardiff Central.
Bus
Bus services have been put in place as follows:
- Swindon – Didcot
- Pewsey - Newbury
- Exeter St David’s – Taunton
- Plymouth – Penzance
- Support for Schools trains in Stroud Valley (North Cotswolds).
