CrossCountry rail services are significantly disrupted on Sunday after a power cut in Birmingham knocked out systems used by the operator's control centre. Almost all services will be withdrawn or severely reduced, with passengers urged to check before travelling.
Power cut hits control centre
The power cut, which began on Saturday, affected the building in Birmingham city centre where CrossCountry's control centre is based. The company said many of the systems used by its control teams to manage services are currently unavailable.
CrossCountry operates services connecting parts of Wales with destinations across England and Scotland, meaning the disruption could affect passengers making longer-distance journeys. The operator said it would run as many trains as possible using alternative procedures, but passengers should expect widespread cancellations throughout the day.
Routes affected in Wales
The only part of the CrossCountry network expected to operate close to normal is the service between Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport.
The key routes affected for rail passengers in Wales are:
- Cardiff Central to Nottingham - this runs via Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Caldicot, Chepstow, Lydney, Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham New Street and Derby before reaching Nottingham.
- Cardiff to Cheltenham Spa - this runs through the Severn Tunnel and Gloucestershire.
Passenger advice and compensation
A CrossCountry spokesperson said: "A power cut in Birmingham city centre has affected the building where our control centre is located. As a result, many of the systems our control teams use to manage the railway are currently unavailable.
"Although colleagues are working hard to safely operate services using alternative processes, CrossCountry services will be significantly disrupted on Sunday, August 23.
"While we will run as many trains as possible, passengers should expect significant reductions to services and cancellations across almost all CrossCountry routes throughout the day. We are sorry to passengers affected by this significant and unforeseen disruption.
"Ticket acceptance is in place with other train operators, and customers will be entitled to Delay Repay compensation. Customers who choose not to travel can claim a refund from their original point of purchase. We are working closely with relevant partners and will provide further updates as soon as possible."
CrossCountry is urging passengers to check their journey before leaving home, with the latest information available through the operator and National Rail.
