South West Trains apologises after snow causes more delays (From Surrey Comet)

South West Trains apologises after snow causes more delays

11:59am Wednesday 13th January 2010 in

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South West Trains (SWT) apologised again on Wednesday morning, after another day of major delays and congestions on Kingston’s rail network.

At about 6am, an empty train broke down on the line near West Byfleet station, due to ice on the conductor rail which caused it to fail. The removal of the broken train caused major disruption to services via Kingston to Waterloo.

Trains to Woking have also been delayed by up to 90 minutes and buses are replacing trains between Guildford and Effingham Junction.

An SWT spokesman said the fault was “usual in these conditions” but was not a safety risk for passengers.

The spokesman said: "The incident has caused significant delays to trains and congestion on parts of the SWT network.

“Throughout the night, Network Rail operated a full programme of anti-icing trains and we also ran ghost trains on the network on their behalf.

“However, the severe weather has continued to have an impact on our services and we would like to apologise to passengers for the inconvenience this has caused."

The disruption was felt by thousands of commuters in Kingston, New Malden and Surbiton.

Kingston Councillor Robert-John Tasker, said he was having a “nightmare” train journey from Surbiton to Waterloo and it had taken more than two hours to get a train.

Coun Tasker said: “The trains are completely unpredictable in these conditions. They will tell you there are no trains and then one comes along unannounced. It’s ridiculous”

“I have to go to work so staying at home is not an option.”

Those lucky enough to stay indoors during the snow storm were able to adopt a more positive view.

Bob Sims, who lives on the Cambridge Estate in Kingston, said: “I quite enjoy the snow when it first falls, before it becomes icy and dangerous.

“It looks really beautiful now everything outside is covered in white and I’m just enjoying the view in my back garden.”

Follow all the snow news at surreycomet.co.uk/news/snow