Rail passengers face disruption as buses replace trains across West Sussex
Passengers travelling between Littlehampton, Barnham, Bognor Regis and Chichester are being warned to expect longer journeys, as engineering work closes railway lines.
Southern Rail services have been disrupted on Sunday (October 18), with replacement buses operating between Littlehampton and Barnham, Bognor Regis and Chichester.
Sussex Traffic Watch advised: "Yapton level crossing barriers are closed bothways to traffic due engineering work buses replace trains all day between Littlehampton, Barnham Bognor Regis and Chichester."
According to a published engineering notice, Southern advises:
“Buses will replace trains between Littlehampton and Barnham / Bognor Regis / Chichester.”
The planned work is affecting routes between London Victoria and Portsmouth Harbour via Horsham, alongside services connecting Brighton, Littlehampton and Southampton Central.
Trains normally operating between London Victoria and Portsmouth Harbour via Horsham are being diverted to run between London Bridge and Littlehampton via Horsham.
Services between Brighton and Littlehampton are operating to an amended timetable, while trains continue to run between Chichester and Portsmouth Harbour.
The notice also confirms: “No Southern trains will run between Havant and Southampton Central.”
Passengers travelling between Havant or Fratton and Southampton Central can use South Western Railway services at no additional cost.
Southern's published travel information warns that replacement buses could be particularly busy, with passengers advised:
“Journey times will be increased when using replacement buses.”
The notice adds: “Please be advised that replacement vehicles may be busier than usual, and you should allow extra time for your journey.”
Passengers are encouraged to check their journeys before setting off and confirm replacement bus pick-up locations using station signage or National Rail's station information pages.