Signal failure causes huge disruption to rail services
South Western Railway advised passengers to book taxis.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rail passengers were told to book taxis instead of travelling by train when a signal failure caused huge disruption to services on Tuesday.
South Western Railway (SWR) said that, due to the signalling problem at Basingstoke in Hampshire, some lines were blocked.
Passengers were warned of cancellations, delays of up to an hour, or alterations to services until late afternoon.
A message to passengers said: “Due to the level of disruption to your journey, passengers are now able to source their own taxis and claim them back through the SWR website between Basingstoke and Woking.”
SWR services into London Waterloo were also disrupted after a communication alarm was activated on a train between Wimbledon and Clapham Junction.
Cancellations, delays and alterations to services were expected until early afternoon.
SWR said later that because of a late-running freight train between Motspur Park and Wimbledon some lines towards London were blocked, with delays to services expected until 1pm.