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Timetable shakeup: UK rail commuters hit by rush-hour disruption – live Timetable shakeup: UK rail commuters hit by rush-hour disruption – live
(35 minutes later)
Readers in the north of England have got in touch to tell us how the timetable changes are affecting them. Many feel the changes have been made to benefit people in the south east to the detriment of northern commuters.
Jonathan, 33, says the timetable changes adds 35 minutes to his commute:
I use the Tyne and Wear metro to reach the train station and then commute by train to work. The train is now earlier on the way to work and later on the return. It really does seem like this change has been made to better service London and South East travellers.
Matthew travels from Cheshire into Salford and finds the new timetable changes affect when he is able to drop off and pick up his son from nursery:
There used to be three trains but these have been reduced to two. Nursery opens at 7.30 so I’m limited as to what trains are available to me. My usual train has been put back five minutes, while the one afternoon/evening train that gets me back in time to collect my son has been brought forward 10 minutes. This means that despite working on flexi time I actually lose time each day, unless I’m able to make some arrangement to drop off my son early to get an early train once a week.
This morning however the train was 25 minutes late arriving, and got to Salford half an hour late. To rub salt in the wound, the train has been reduced from the previous four carriages to two. This means I am down on my flexi already with no prospect of being able to make it back. And all this because of wholesale changes apparently to accommodate some more trains into London Bridge - cheers Govia Thameslink Railway!”
Michael Morey, 38, from Blackpool was travelling in from Zurich when he faced train cancellations this morning:
I was abroad for work and started my journey at 3am. I landed in Manchester at 8am and the trains are either late or cancelled. I was only ten minutes late home but making plans when the rail network doesn’t know what it’s doing on day one of a timetable change isn’t easy.
To make things worse there has been a bus service since November from Preston to Blackpool. It is nearly two months late to reopen, partly because not enough drivers have learned the route. I’m getting rather bored of paying for a service that only goes as far as Preston and then getting on a bus.
Northern Rail said a shortage of train drivers was to blame for problems affecting destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, with staff telling commuters that it was the fault of the unions.
One in seven (14%) of its services were cancelled on Monday morning, with a further 17% delayed by at least five minutes. Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham described the situation as “appalling” while commuters called the situation a “shambles”.
Darren Riley, who commutes daily between Bolton and Manchester to his job at a trade union, was ninety minutes late for work and said that the Northern staff he spoke to at Bolton’s station blamed the unions for the disruption.
He said:
Fortunately I have flexitime and as I work for a union, very understanding management, but I can’t have this commute every day.
The staff at the station were polite and apologetic but not particularly helpful. One of them told me he was a senior manager and blamed much of the disruption on the unions. Apparently the Aslef union rejected a proposed training plan for the new Blackpool – Preston line. He continued to blame the unions before asking what my job was and so found out that I work for a trade union.
I raised the point that they shouldn’t be running a business that expected staff to work on their rest days – they were fairly non-committal about that. I asked them how things would improve - they just said they would but it’s hard to see how.
The Aslef union said not enough drivers have been trained on new routes and rolling stock. An official said the union had asked the company to start training drivers last summer, but it only started in February.
The official said:
Drivers are not on a go slow, they are not calling in sick, but they just have not been trained on the new routes.
If you were late for work this morning or are still struggling to get to your final destination due to the disruption, we’d like to hear from you. Share your stories via our encrypted form in the link below and we’ll feature some of your responses as part of our coverage.If you were late for work this morning or are still struggling to get to your final destination due to the disruption, we’d like to hear from you. Share your stories via our encrypted form in the link below and we’ll feature some of your responses as part of our coverage.
You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056 or by emailing me on nicola.slawson@theguardian.com.You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056 or by emailing me on nicola.slawson@theguardian.com.
Transport for the North, England’s first ever sub-national transport body, has released a statement expressing its extreme disappointment and concern with Northern’s performance this morning.Transport for the North, England’s first ever sub-national transport body, has released a statement expressing its extreme disappointment and concern with Northern’s performance this morning.
Statement: Our response to @northernassist current performance https://t.co/mCKKxNi6UEStatement: Our response to @northernassist current performance https://t.co/mCKKxNi6UE
The statement reads:The statement reads:
Transport for the North is extremely disappointed and concerned with the inadequate performance of Northern. We have formally raised these concerns with Northern making it clear that we want more to be done to rectify the performance issues and to mitigate against impacts on passengers and for action to be taken immediately.Transport for the North is extremely disappointed and concerned with the inadequate performance of Northern. We have formally raised these concerns with Northern making it clear that we want more to be done to rectify the performance issues and to mitigate against impacts on passengers and for action to be taken immediately.
This is a matter of significant concern to us and we are aware that across the Northern franchise, parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria have been badly affected by these performance issues and we recognise the detrimental effect of unreliable train services on both passengers and the economy.This is a matter of significant concern to us and we are aware that across the Northern franchise, parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cumbria have been badly affected by these performance issues and we recognise the detrimental effect of unreliable train services on both passengers and the economy.
We have requested an improvement plan to return performance to an acceptable level for passengers and will be meeting Northern to discuss this further.We have requested an improvement plan to return performance to an acceptable level for passengers and will be meeting Northern to discuss this further.
The body said it would continue to monitor Northern’s performance, in conjunction with the Rail North Partnership which co-manages the day-to-day management of the rail franchises in the North, and will use its influence to ensure that the train operating company provides an “improved level of service as quickly as possible”.The body said it would continue to monitor Northern’s performance, in conjunction with the Rail North Partnership which co-manages the day-to-day management of the rail franchises in the North, and will use its influence to ensure that the train operating company provides an “improved level of service as quickly as possible”.
The mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called for the transport secretary to take action after widespread cancellations across Northern this morning.The mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called for the transport secretary to take action after widespread cancellations across Northern this morning.
In a tweet, Burnham said it was “appalling”. He added: “Grayling needs to intervene - today.”In a tweet, Burnham said it was “appalling”. He added: “Grayling needs to intervene - today.”
Just been sent a travel update for this morning by @MisterNicholson. One word: appalling. Grayling needs to intervene - today. pic.twitter.com/FDC2aUsCMTJust been sent a travel update for this morning by @MisterNicholson. One word: appalling. Grayling needs to intervene - today. pic.twitter.com/FDC2aUsCMT
Northern itself reported severe disruption on lines linking towns and cities across the north, while the mayor highlighted that services from some stations were completely wiped out.Northern itself reported severe disruption on lines linking towns and cities across the north, while the mayor highlighted that services from some stations were completely wiped out.
By 8.30am, around 50 trains were reported cancelled, while a similar number were running a reduced service or had fewer carriages.By 8.30am, around 50 trains were reported cancelled, while a similar number were running a reduced service or had fewer carriages.
In the hour after the morning rush, National Rail departure boards still showed virtually all trains cancelled or delayed running through Manchester Oxford Road.In the hour after the morning rush, National Rail departure boards still showed virtually all trains cancelled or delayed running through Manchester Oxford Road.
Northern’s press office could not be reached for comment.Northern’s press office could not be reached for comment.
Why is this rail timetable change significant?Why is this rail timetable change significant?
New timetables are published every year but normally with minor tweaks. This year Govia Thameslink Railway, which carries about 500,000 passengers daily, has redrawn its schedules from scratch.New timetables are published every year but normally with minor tweaks. This year Govia Thameslink Railway, which carries about 500,000 passengers daily, has redrawn its schedules from scratch.
Why has it done that?Why has it done that?
The rebuilding of London Bridge and surrounding track infrastructure, new trains, and new infrastructure allowing partial automation means more services can run through the capital, carrying more passengers. Some can be rerouted to cut journey times, while others will stop at new stations offering more direct services.The rebuilding of London Bridge and surrounding track infrastructure, new trains, and new infrastructure allowing partial automation means more services can run through the capital, carrying more passengers. Some can be rerouted to cut journey times, while others will stop at new stations offering more direct services.
So is it a good thing?So is it a good thing?
Overall, it should be: GTR believes it will use its capacity more efficiently. About 400 more trains will run, with space for 50,000 more people to travel into London in the morning peak.Overall, it should be: GTR believes it will use its capacity more efficiently. About 400 more trains will run, with space for 50,000 more people to travel into London in the morning peak.
What’s the problem?What’s the problem?
While the new timetable should benefit a greater number, many people have built their work and family routines around a particular train. Removing or rescheduling services could make some existing commutes untenable without flexible work starts or childcare, passenger groups say, or force some into taking more expensive peak trains. For a month-long transitional period, services will be reduced at some stations. And engineering work means some commuter towns have fewer trains until 2020.While the new timetable should benefit a greater number, many people have built their work and family routines around a particular train. Removing or rescheduling services could make some existing commutes untenable without flexible work starts or childcare, passenger groups say, or force some into taking more expensive peak trains. For a month-long transitional period, services will be reduced at some stations. And engineering work means some commuter towns have fewer trains until 2020.
Where are the changes coming?Where are the changes coming?
Every train on the GTR service will run at a new time: that includes Thameslink trains between Bedford and Brighton; Great Northern trains from London into Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire; Southern services from Sussex and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire to the capital.Every train on the GTR service will run at a new time: that includes Thameslink trains between Bedford and Brighton; Great Northern trains from London into Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire; Southern services from Sussex and parts of Surrey, Kent and Hampshire to the capital.
How do I know if I’m affected?How do I know if I’m affected?
Passengers should check their train times at www.nationalrail.co.ukPassengers should check their train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Readers have got in touch to share their experiences of the GTR timetable changes. A common theme is that people will now have to choose between arriving to work too early or arriving too late.Readers have got in touch to share their experiences of the GTR timetable changes. A common theme is that people will now have to choose between arriving to work too early or arriving too late.
Underwriting manager Dan Pearce, 39, from Littlehampton thinks the reduced service to London Bridge and back is “awful”.Underwriting manager Dan Pearce, 39, from Littlehampton thinks the reduced service to London Bridge and back is “awful”.
He said:He said:
There were only three direct trains in the morning but now only two trains run an hour apart meaning I end up arriving 20 minutes later than usual. The situation on the way home is similar. I either leave work early or wait around for a long time. This train now runs to and from Bedford so there will be more people on an already reduced service.There were only three direct trains in the morning but now only two trains run an hour apart meaning I end up arriving 20 minutes later than usual. The situation on the way home is similar. I either leave work early or wait around for a long time. This train now runs to and from Bedford so there will be more people on an already reduced service.
Beth, 34, who commutes from Bedfordshire to London took three hours to get home on Sunday after experiencing four train cancellations:Beth, 34, who commutes from Bedfordshire to London took three hours to get home on Sunday after experiencing four train cancellations:
One driver I spoke to said Sunday was meant to be his day off but he had to be called in as there don’t seem to be any drivers. This morning my first train was cancelled so I decided to wait an hour (I’m fortunate that I can do this and I’d pre-warned my place of work) as I knew the next train would be rammed. When I did get on a train I wasn’t able to get a seat - which is the first time in two years.One driver I spoke to said Sunday was meant to be his day off but he had to be called in as there don’t seem to be any drivers. This morning my first train was cancelled so I decided to wait an hour (I’m fortunate that I can do this and I’d pre-warned my place of work) as I knew the next train would be rammed. When I did get on a train I wasn’t able to get a seat - which is the first time in two years.
Since January, my train fare has gone up £15 a month and all I can see that’s happened is a worse timetable (I either now get into work 30 mins early or 30 mins late) and fewer seats. I felt the changes were communicated well, and I altered my commute accordingly, but that doesn’t make any difference when trains are then cancelled.Since January, my train fare has gone up £15 a month and all I can see that’s happened is a worse timetable (I either now get into work 30 mins early or 30 mins late) and fewer seats. I felt the changes were communicated well, and I altered my commute accordingly, but that doesn’t make any difference when trains are then cancelled.
Thameslink is making a big deal about the fact that I can now get a direct train from to Horsham, but I don’t need to go to Horsham, I just need to get into central London, on time and preferably while sitting down.Thameslink is making a big deal about the fact that I can now get a direct train from to Horsham, but I don’t need to go to Horsham, I just need to get into central London, on time and preferably while sitting down.
Kevin Mcnulty, 55, from Southwick in West Sussex, works for a Japanese company and usually commutes to London Bridge. He called the changes “a complete scam”.Kevin Mcnulty, 55, from Southwick in West Sussex, works for a Japanese company and usually commutes to London Bridge. He called the changes “a complete scam”.
He said:He said:
We were promised more trains from stations like Southwick instead there are less and they take longer. I used to get the 6.54am change at Hove and was in London for 8.16am, now I have two choices that take longer: with the 6.12am I arrive too early and the 7.12am arrives too late. The most disturbing thing is that there is less capacity train-wise but they seem to be covering this up by making the trains longer with more carriages. It’s a complete scam and so much money has been spent to deliver this outcome which is worse than before – unbelievable.We were promised more trains from stations like Southwick instead there are less and they take longer. I used to get the 6.54am change at Hove and was in London for 8.16am, now I have two choices that take longer: with the 6.12am I arrive too early and the 7.12am arrives too late. The most disturbing thing is that there is less capacity train-wise but they seem to be covering this up by making the trains longer with more carriages. It’s a complete scam and so much money has been spent to deliver this outcome which is worse than before – unbelievable.
Though expectations are very low among commuters we are still very cross, mainly about the cost as we have paid for this through higher fares.Though expectations are very low among commuters we are still very cross, mainly about the cost as we have paid for this through higher fares.
The enormous Thameslink upgrade programme has its roots in a proposal originally made by British Rail in 1989. The plan to increase rail capacity through central London later became known as Thameslink 2000, in the optimistic hope that the programme of works could be completed by the start of the new millennium. In the end they were only 18 years late.The enormous Thameslink upgrade programme has its roots in a proposal originally made by British Rail in 1989. The plan to increase rail capacity through central London later became known as Thameslink 2000, in the optimistic hope that the programme of works could be completed by the start of the new millennium. In the end they were only 18 years late.
The project struggled during the era of rail privatisation and in 1999 the Observer’s business section described the upgrade programme as “controversial” and likely to cost around £800m. The newspaper warned the proposal to connect new destinations north and south of the Thames was delayed and “will not now be up and running until 2007 at the earliest”.The project struggled during the era of rail privatisation and in 1999 the Observer’s business section described the upgrade programme as “controversial” and likely to cost around £800m. The newspaper warned the proposal to connect new destinations north and south of the Thames was delayed and “will not now be up and running until 2007 at the earliest”.
In reality it took two public inquiries and the collapse of Railtrack before the project was formally approved. Projects included the total rebuilding of Blackfriars station, the construction of a new viaduct over London’s Borough Market, enormous upgrade works at Farringdon and London Bridge stations, the lengthening of platforms, and the purchase of a fleet of 115 new trains.In reality it took two public inquiries and the collapse of Railtrack before the project was formally approved. Projects included the total rebuilding of Blackfriars station, the construction of a new viaduct over London’s Borough Market, enormous upgrade works at Farringdon and London Bridge stations, the lengthening of platforms, and the purchase of a fleet of 115 new trains.
The headline cost for the project now runs at £7bn, with the final changes to services not due to be implemented until 2020.The headline cost for the project now runs at £7bn, with the final changes to services not due to be implemented until 2020.
Robert Nisbet, regional director at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the rail industry, said that customers in “many parts of the country” will benefit from the timetable changes in the long run.Robert Nisbet, regional director at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the rail industry, said that customers in “many parts of the country” will benefit from the timetable changes in the long run.
He said:He said:
We’d like to thank customers for bearing with us as we introduce the biggest timetable change in a generation. In the long-term these changes will see customers in many parts of the country benefit from more and faster services, better connecting communities and boosting the economy.We’d like to thank customers for bearing with us as we introduce the biggest timetable change in a generation. In the long-term these changes will see customers in many parts of the country benefit from more and faster services, better connecting communities and boosting the economy.
Retiming over 100,000 services is a huge operational challenge. We’re working together to deliver the best possible service but continue to advise customers to check their train times before they travel.Retiming over 100,000 services is a huge operational challenge. We’re working together to deliver the best possible service but continue to advise customers to check their train times before they travel.
While not everyone has experienced cancellations this morning, many woke up to the news that their usual commutes would be more complicated than usual thanks to GTR choosing to streamline services by removing some of the stops.While not everyone has experienced cancellations this morning, many woke up to the news that their usual commutes would be more complicated than usual thanks to GTR choosing to streamline services by removing some of the stops.
Want to get from #Brighton to Clapham Junction? Forget it! #Rail2020 making it so much harder to get anywhere @SouthernRailUK #fuming #SouthernFailWant to get from #Brighton to Clapham Junction? Forget it! #Rail2020 making it so much harder to get anywhere @SouthernRailUK #fuming #SouthernFail
Julia Day, director of marketing and content at Hotcourses Group, works in Putney but lives in Brighton and was shocked to discover that the Brighton line to Victoria will no longer stop at Clapham Junction between 5.30am and 10am. This means overnight, her two train commute will now be a three train journey as she will have to add an additional change at Haywards Heath.Julia Day, director of marketing and content at Hotcourses Group, works in Putney but lives in Brighton and was shocked to discover that the Brighton line to Victoria will no longer stop at Clapham Junction between 5.30am and 10am. This means overnight, her two train commute will now be a three train journey as she will have to add an additional change at Haywards Heath.
She said:She said:
They’ve just taken Clapham Junction off the timetable at peak commuting time, meaning my journey to Putney now involves three trains for a journey that I could do previously in 1hr 10mins.They’ve just taken Clapham Junction off the timetable at peak commuting time, meaning my journey to Putney now involves three trains for a journey that I could do previously in 1hr 10mins.
My weekly ticket costs £100.50 so I’m fuming. The extra change also means I am likely to have to stand between Haywards Heath and Clapham Junction, which is a 40-minute journey.My weekly ticket costs £100.50 so I’m fuming. The extra change also means I am likely to have to stand between Haywards Heath and Clapham Junction, which is a 40-minute journey.
There were lots of reminders in train announcements to check the new timetable in advance, she said, but she “didn’t imagine for one minute” that Clapham Junction would be one of the stops that was removed given it is such an important interchange.There were lots of reminders in train announcements to check the new timetable in advance, she said, but she “didn’t imagine for one minute” that Clapham Junction would be one of the stops that was removed given it is such an important interchange.
She added:She added:
The hassle of changing trains on a direct route and the spectre of having to stand when we pay so much for our tickets is really quite crushing.The hassle of changing trains on a direct route and the spectre of having to stand when we pay so much for our tickets is really quite crushing.
It’s not all doom and gloom for everyone this morning. Guardian reader Peter O’Callaghan has got in touch as he is one of the commuters who has actually benefited from the timetable changes.It’s not all doom and gloom for everyone this morning. Guardian reader Peter O’Callaghan has got in touch as he is one of the commuters who has actually benefited from the timetable changes.
He said:He said:
I’d like to add a positive note to some of these changes. My commute is Deptford in south-east London to Regent’s Park. The new Thameslink service to Luton that stops at Deptford has knocked at least 20 minutes off my journey. I’m very happy this morning.I’d like to add a positive note to some of these changes. My commute is Deptford in south-east London to Regent’s Park. The new Thameslink service to Luton that stops at Deptford has knocked at least 20 minutes off my journey. I’m very happy this morning.
Hundreds of people are experiencing disruption around Manchester, Leeds and Bolton this morning, thanks to major timetable changes.Hundreds of people are experiencing disruption around Manchester, Leeds and Bolton this morning, thanks to major timetable changes.
Kristy Turner is travelling from Bromley Cross, which is a commuter village north of Bolton, and is trying to get to work at the University of Manchester where she is an academic in the school of chemistry.Kristy Turner is travelling from Bromley Cross, which is a commuter village north of Bolton, and is trying to get to work at the University of Manchester where she is an academic in the school of chemistry.
Despite leaving early, she has experienced problems due to overcrowding and cancellations. Her first train was on time but consisted of only two carriages when it arrived and consequently was packed with commuters.Despite leaving early, she has experienced problems due to overcrowding and cancellations. Her first train was on time but consisted of only two carriages when it arrived and consequently was packed with commuters.
I note that there are no @northernassist staff around at all on the platforms at Bolton...I suspect because there will only be 2 train into Manchester in the next hour, all the others are cancelled & there is a platform full of people wanting to get on those 2 already full trainsI note that there are no @northernassist staff around at all on the platforms at Bolton...I suspect because there will only be 2 train into Manchester in the next hour, all the others are cancelled & there is a platform full of people wanting to get on those 2 already full trains
Her connecting train at Bolton was then cancelled. The atmosphere was tense on the platform, she said, and no members of staff were around.Her connecting train at Bolton was then cancelled. The atmosphere was tense on the platform, she said, and no members of staff were around.
She said:She said:
The platform was full of people. Some managed to cram in a Victoria train but there was no way I could get on. Tempers were fraying and three guys having a big row, which was a bit scary for onlookers.The platform was full of people. Some managed to cram in a Victoria train but there was no way I could get on. Tempers were fraying and three guys having a big row, which was a bit scary for onlookers.
I tweeted Northern, who said the Alderley Edge train was going through Piccadilly, and I have managed to get on. It is very uncomfortable. There is standing room only on the train and we’re all crammed on up against the windows. I’m surprised no-one has fainted to be honest.I tweeted Northern, who said the Alderley Edge train was going through Piccadilly, and I have managed to get on. It is very uncomfortable. There is standing room only on the train and we’re all crammed on up against the windows. I’m surprised no-one has fainted to be honest.
James Charlesworth is trying to travel to Leeds from Mirfield this morning, which is his regular commute. He said it has been “a disaster” this morning.James Charlesworth is trying to travel to Leeds from Mirfield this morning, which is his regular commute. He said it has been “a disaster” this morning.
New @northernassist timetable out today, absolute shambles! Why is the British rail system so bad?!? Late, overpriced, outdated, crowded trains!New @northernassist timetable out today, absolute shambles! Why is the British rail system so bad?!? Late, overpriced, outdated, crowded trains!
He said:He said:
The station was a lot more crowded and most people had frowns on their faces which is understandable. No one was giving out information but that’s just Northern all over. Luckily I work near Leeds train station otherwise there is no doubt I’d be late.The station was a lot more crowded and most people had frowns on their faces which is understandable. No one was giving out information but that’s just Northern all over. Luckily I work near Leeds train station otherwise there is no doubt I’d be late.
Govia Thameslink Railway, which is the UK’s busiest franchise, has apologised to customers for the delays and cancellations caused by the “biggest timetable change in a generation”.Govia Thameslink Railway, which is the UK’s busiest franchise, has apologised to customers for the delays and cancellations caused by the “biggest timetable change in a generation”.
Every train run by GTR, which operates Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern trains, was rescheduled from Sunday.Every train run by GTR, which operates Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern trains, was rescheduled from Sunday.
One reason for the disruption is that trains and drivers are having to be redeployed and that operating practices are being overhauled in the process, GTR said.One reason for the disruption is that trains and drivers are having to be redeployed and that operating practices are being overhauled in the process, GTR said.
The spokesperson said:The spokesperson said:
We are implementing over the coming weeks the biggest timetable change in a generation to boost capacity and improve reliability, introducing 400 extra daily trains and space for 50,000 extra passengers in the peak.We are implementing over the coming weeks the biggest timetable change in a generation to boost capacity and improve reliability, introducing 400 extra daily trains and space for 50,000 extra passengers in the peak.
Due to the scale and complexity of the task, these changes will be made incrementally. This involves redeploying drivers and trains and changing operating practices to achieve a large increase in the number of services, carriages and station stops.Due to the scale and complexity of the task, these changes will be made incrementally. This involves redeploying drivers and trains and changing operating practices to achieve a large increase in the number of services, carriages and station stops.
Despite some cancellations, passengers will benefit from an overall increase in capacity with immediate effect.Despite some cancellations, passengers will benefit from an overall increase in capacity with immediate effect.
We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. Anyone delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim compensation through our websites.We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. Anyone delayed by 15 minutes or more can claim compensation through our websites.
If altered timetables or transport disruption has affected you this morning, we’d like to hear from you. Share your stories via our encrypted form in the link below and we’ll feature some of your responses as part of our coverage.If altered timetables or transport disruption has affected you this morning, we’d like to hear from you. Share your stories via our encrypted form in the link below and we’ll feature some of your responses as part of our coverage.
You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056 or by emailing me on nicola.slawson@theguardian.com.You can also share your stories, photos and videos with the Guardian via WhatsApp by adding the contact +44(0)7867825056 or by emailing me on nicola.slawson@theguardian.com.
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, the passenger watchdog, told the Guardian that the situation on Monday was “not carnage, but not brilliant”.Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, the passenger watchdog, told the Guardian that the situation on Monday was “not carnage, but not brilliant”.
Speaking at St Pancras station, he said the number of new services meant that trains were still coming in frequently and on time, although obviously a number had been cancelled.Speaking at St Pancras station, he said the number of new services meant that trains were still coming in frequently and on time, although obviously a number had been cancelled.
He said:He said:
Let’s hope these teething problems disappear. It’s essentially a timetable revolution. For most passengers it means more seats. It’s all happening for the right reasons, – in the middle of London it’s now like you’ve got an extra Tube service in running now with such frequent trains.Let’s hope these teething problems disappear. It’s essentially a timetable revolution. For most passengers it means more seats. It’s all happening for the right reasons, – in the middle of London it’s now like you’ve got an extra Tube service in running now with such frequent trains.
When you overlay on that the fact the Network Rail and train companies have had trouble with their timetables anyway, you’re going to get blips. But passengers rely on the timetable as published and they have a right to, so are very frustrated.When you overlay on that the fact the Network Rail and train companies have had trouble with their timetables anyway, you’re going to get blips. But passengers rely on the timetable as published and they have a right to, so are very frustrated.
The RMT union has already started to brand this morning’s commute “Meltdown Monday”, claiming a lack of planning and shortage of crews was jeopardising the new timetable.The RMT union has already started to brand this morning’s commute “Meltdown Monday”, claiming a lack of planning and shortage of crews was jeopardising the new timetable.
General secretary Mick Cash said:General secretary Mick Cash said:
The union is picking up reports from both Northern and GTR of a hopeless lack of planning, combined with a shortage of crew and fleet, which has reduced the Monday morning journey to a nightmare for many passengers. It is our members dealing with the anger at the sharp end not the well-paid top brass from Arriva and Govia who are responsible for this Meltdown Monday on our railways.The union is picking up reports from both Northern and GTR of a hopeless lack of planning, combined with a shortage of crew and fleet, which has reduced the Monday morning journey to a nightmare for many passengers. It is our members dealing with the anger at the sharp end not the well-paid top brass from Arriva and Govia who are responsible for this Meltdown Monday on our railways.
Both of these companies have sought to compromise safety and access by hacking back on critical staff and it is no surprise to RMT that they can’t be trusted with the massive logistical challenges of bringing in new timetables.Both of these companies have sought to compromise safety and access by hacking back on critical staff and it is no surprise to RMT that they can’t be trusted with the massive logistical challenges of bringing in new timetables.
Frankly I wouldn’t trust the private train operators to run a bath let alone our vital rail routes. After Virgin/Stagecoach were kicked off the East Coast last week it’s time for the rest of these racketeers to be sent packing as well and for our railways to be run by the public sector as a public service.Frankly I wouldn’t trust the private train operators to run a bath let alone our vital rail routes. After Virgin/Stagecoach were kicked off the East Coast last week it’s time for the rest of these racketeers to be sent packing as well and for our railways to be run by the public sector as a public service.
As commuters vented their frustration on social media about the shakeup this morning, the train operators said the disruption was due to a “short-term planning amendment”.As commuters vented their frustration on social media about the shakeup this morning, the train operators said the disruption was due to a “short-term planning amendment”.
@nationalrailenq day one of new train times and surprise surprise they are all cancelled!!! It’s absolutely disgraceful and to make matters worse Thursday there will be ANOTHER STRIKE. Will people ever be able to get to work because this is now 3 months of issues!@nationalrailenq day one of new train times and surprise surprise they are all cancelled!!! It’s absolutely disgraceful and to make matters worse Thursday there will be ANOTHER STRIKE. Will people ever be able to get to work because this is now 3 months of issues!
When one Twitter user asked what this meant, the Thameslink account replied: “With the new timetable being introduced we have a lot of staff and stock in the wrong places. Some services have been altered/cancelled as a result whilst Control work to get everything in the right place.”When one Twitter user asked what this meant, the Thameslink account replied: “With the new timetable being introduced we have a lot of staff and stock in the wrong places. Some services have been altered/cancelled as a result whilst Control work to get everything in the right place.”
Well #railplan20/20 you’ve fucked this one up. First commuter day of new timetable, 1 train cancelled before departure, 1 train cancelled mid-journey, absolute chaos and no one to help at St Albans city...do tell me how this is improving service?Well #railplan20/20 you’ve fucked this one up. First commuter day of new timetable, 1 train cancelled before departure, 1 train cancelled mid-journey, absolute chaos and no one to help at St Albans city...do tell me how this is improving service?
Great Northern told one customer trains could be altered “for the next few weeks whilst getting everything into place”.Great Northern told one customer trains could be altered “for the next few weeks whilst getting everything into place”.
@TLRailUK Why is it that a) all timetable affected trains trains are either delayed or cancelled and b) it now takes 23 mins to get direct from St. Albans to St. Pancras #RegressionSoldAsProgress #YourSeviceIsAJoke #2020Fail #PlanBeforeRollingOut pic.twitter.com/4cAJTlzpj1@TLRailUK Why is it that a) all timetable affected trains trains are either delayed or cancelled and b) it now takes 23 mins to get direct from St. Albans to St. Pancras #RegressionSoldAsProgress #YourSeviceIsAJoke #2020Fail #PlanBeforeRollingOut pic.twitter.com/4cAJTlzpj1
The completely revised timetable being operated by Govia Thameslink railway is facing its first full test this morning, with every single one of its trains now running at a different time.The completely revised timetable being operated by Govia Thameslink railway is facing its first full test this morning, with every single one of its trains now running at a different time.
While the train company promises that it will mean more seats, routes and a better, more reliable service overall, it said disruption was likely in an interim period. A number of trains were cancelled on Sunday, the first official day, while at least 15 rush hour trains into the capital were cancelled on Monday morning.While the train company promises that it will mean more seats, routes and a better, more reliable service overall, it said disruption was likely in an interim period. A number of trains were cancelled on Sunday, the first official day, while at least 15 rush hour trains into the capital were cancelled on Monday morning.
It's complicated to explain but with the new timetable being introduced we have a lot of staff and stock in the wrong places. Some services have been altered/cancelled as a result whilst Control work to get everything in the right place. ^NatIt's complicated to explain but with the new timetable being introduced we have a lot of staff and stock in the wrong places. Some services have been altered/cancelled as a result whilst Control work to get everything in the right place. ^Nat
Some commuter stations were reported to be far more crowded than last week in the early morning, with irate passengers on social media reporting confusion and disruption as they attempted to travel to work on Thameslink routes.Some commuter stations were reported to be far more crowded than last week in the early morning, with irate passengers on social media reporting confusion and disruption as they attempted to travel to work on Thameslink routes.
Hundreds of thousands of rail commuters in the south-east could be back to work with a bump after the royal wedding weekend thanks to the biggest train timetable change in decades.Hundreds of thousands of rail commuters in the south-east could be back to work with a bump after the royal wedding weekend thanks to the biggest train timetable change in decades.
Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Britain’s largest rail franchise, covering a quarter of all journeys and carrying about 500,000 passengers daily, has rescheduled every train as it brings in more than 400 extra services a day.Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Britain’s largest rail franchise, covering a quarter of all journeys and carrying about 500,000 passengers daily, has rescheduled every train as it brings in more than 400 extra services a day.
The changes began on Sunday and despite a huge publicity drive, passengers trying to get into and around London found few of the promised new services were actually running.The changes began on Sunday and despite a huge publicity drive, passengers trying to get into and around London found few of the promised new services were actually running.
We’d love to hear from you if you have been affected by changes and cancellations this morning. You can get in touch to share how your commute is going by filling out the form in the article below.We’d love to hear from you if you have been affected by changes and cancellations this morning. You can get in touch to share how your commute is going by filling out the form in the article below.