In west London, hundreds of passengers were trapped on trains due to damaged overhead electric cables, causing travel chaos. Services between London Paddington and Reading stopped, affecting the Great Western Railway and the Elizabeth Line. Network Rail is working on repairs, and alternative transport options are available.
Travel Chaos Hits West London as Passengers Get Trapped on Trains
Hundreds of passengers faced travel chaos in west London after being stuck on cold, dark trains for hours. The issue was caused by faulty electric cables, leading to significant travel disruptions. All train services between London Paddington and Reading were halted, as confirmed by Network Rail Western. This incident has significantly impacted the Great Western Railway and the Elizabeth Line.
The Guardian reported that Heathrow Airport suspended Heathrow Express and Elizabeth Line services. They advised travelers that the Piccadilly line was still operating but might be more crowded. They apologized for any inconvenience caused by this travel chaos.
Network Rail issued a statement urging passengers on the affected trains to stay put and follow staff instructions. They advised other travelers to check National Rail Enquiries for updates and seek alternative routes. They also responded to queries on social media, explaining the complexity and risk involved in repairing the damaged cables.
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The problem began when a train hit an object between Paddington and Acton mainline, damaging the overhead wires. This resulted in travel chaos, with passengers using their phone lights in dark carriages and some even trying to force doors open.
By 10:30 PM, people started disembarking from the stranded trains. Notably, Rachel Riley, the Countdown presenter, shared her experience of being trapped for nearly four hours.
To assist those affected, Chiltern Railways, South Western Railway, and other services are accepting tickets on parts of their networks. Passengers west of West Drayton on the Elizabeth Line can book taxis and claim the fare later. The transport secretary, Mark Harper, acknowledged the severity of this travel chaos and the impact on numerous travelers in west London.
Travel Chaos in Germany Due to Heavy Snow and Underinvestment in Railways
Meanwhile, travel chaos engulfed Germany after heavy snow caused major disruptions in the railway network, particularly in Bavaria, southern Germany. This recent travel chaos exposed years of underinvestment in the German railways, leading to widespread train cancellations and malfunctioning systems.
The snowfall, reaching up to half a meter in some areas, caused severe breakdowns, as stated in another report of The Guardian. Munich's main station experienced significant disruptions, leading to the closure of the station and massive travel chaos across the country. Both rail and road travelers were advised to cancel non-essential journeys.
Martin Burkert, head of the Railway and Transport Union, criticized the national rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) for being ill-equipped to handle such weather conditions. He highlighted the aging and dilapidated state of Germany's rail infrastructure. Transport Minister Volker Wissing echoed these sentiments, calling for a complete overhaul of the railway network.
Deutsche Bahn, a state-owned company, has been struggling with debts of €30 billion. The company's long-distance train services recorded their lowest punctuality levels in eight years last month, with construction works and staffing issues adding to the travel chaos.
A DB spokesperson admitted the unsatisfactory performance, noting that about 75% of long-distance trains were delayed due to construction sites. The government and DB announced a major rail network overhaul, which is expected to cause further travel chaos until its completion in 2030. Passengers also face fare increases, often above inflation rates.
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