Southern Rail: Passengers face 'severe delays and service changes' after fault blocks route towards London

The incident was reported on Wednesday night (September 23), with northbound passengers warned their journeys towards London could take at least 45 minutes longer.

Southern Rail first reported the fault at 8.40pm, saying trains were unable to run northbound while it gathered more information. It advised passengers on trains stopped outside stations to remain on board and await updates from train crew.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) read: “Due to a fault on a train between Haywards Heath and Three Bridges, trains are currently unable to run northbound (towards London).”

At 9pm, Southern said: “If you are travelling between these stations towards London this evening, it may take you at least 45 minutes extra to reach your destination.”

Passengers’ tickets were accepted at no extra cost on alternative Southern and Thameslink services between London and the South Coast via Haywards Heath or Horsham, although the operator warned those services could also be delayed.

At 10.30pm, Southern said the faulty train was able to move and would clear the line shortly. It warned that ‘severe delays and service changes’ were expected for the rest of the day.

In an update at 2am on Thursday, September 24, Southern said services were ending for the day and were no longer affected by the incident. It apologised to passengers whose journeys had been disrupted.

Anyone unable to complete their journey, because of the fault, can use their existing ticket on alternative Southern services this morning. This will at no extra cost, the operator said. Passengers delayed by 15 minutes or more may be eligible for Delay Repay compensation: https://www.southernrailway.com/help-and-support/delay-repay-compensation