Hundreds of passengers have been left stranded on Easter Monday after dozens of trains were cancelled following ‘disruptions’.
Faults with the signalling systems and a trespasser are among the causes of the travel chaos affecting the South Western Railway (SWR) service.
As it stands, the only available route west is to Heathrow Airport.
Great Western Rail has confirmed fewer trains are able to run due to a fault with the signalling system at Twyford.
To add to the carnage, South Western Railway ticket acceptance is also described as now being ‘revoked’ due to the ‘severe affect’ of emergency services dealing with ‘an incident on the line’.
As a result, ‘services between London Paddington and Reading may be cancelled, delayed or revised’.
A spokesman added: ‘Due to a significant signalling fault in the Twyford area, trains are unable to operate on the Great Western Mainline.
‘Network Rail teams are on site at Thames Valley Signalling Centre and at Reading, working to resolve the issue. We are advising customers to avoid travelling where possible.’
Easter Monday travel carnage as ‘ALL trains cancelled’ from Paddington, leaving hundreds stranded
Faults with the signalling systems and a trespasser are among the causes of the travel chaos affecting the South Western Railway service (file image)
The disruption comes as many people arrive back from their Bank Holiday weekend.
It has been described by some angry customers as a ‘fine mess’.
One person said on X: ‘You folks must understand the impact of a cancelled or significantly delayed train on people, especially families, is far beyond a refund, even if it’s a full one.’
Another added: ‘What more can go wrong?’
And a third said: ‘Paddington Station is a fine mess today. No trains running and no alternatives offered.’
Great Western Rail says customers with tickets dated 21.04.25 who wish to travel tomorrow ‘may do so’, due to the extent of the disruption.
Chiltern Railways ticket acceptance has also been described as being ‘now revoked’.
Customers are being advised by the organisation responsible to use local buses as an ‘alternative means of transport’.
The local bus is unfortunately not accepting GWR tickets and so those who purchase a ticket on the bus are asked to keep it and sent it, together with their train ticket, to claim for a refund.
