Rail services largely restored across North West after major signalling failure

Rail passengers across the North West are being advised that most train services are running after a power outage in Manchester affected signalling systems and cause widespread disruption across the region on 6th August.

SP Electricity North West confirmed a power cut at 1.41pm in East Manchester affected more than 400 postcodes, including Network Rail’s Manchester Rail Operating Centre, which controls signals across the region. As engineers brought systems back online, there were widespread delays and cancellations, and the majority of rail operators in the region urged passengers not to travel.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed that ticket acceptance was in place on all Bee Network buses and Metrolink service, and will continue today until rail services return to normal.

Network Rail engineers worked through the night to restore signalling systems, with signalling fully restored late yesterday evening. Trains displaced by the disruption were also returned to nearby depots, allowing train operators to restart services this morning (7th August).

Most operators are running a full service; however, some TransPennine Express services continue to be affected as trains and crew return to their normal positions following yesterday’s disruption.

Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, said:

“I’d like to thank passengers for their patience following yesterday’s power outage and the disruption it caused across the North West.

“Our engineers worked through the night to restore signalling systems and recover the railway, and I’m pleased that most services are now running this morning. While some passengers may still experience disruption, we’re continuing to work closely with train operators to return services to normal as quickly as possible.

“Anyone planning to travel this morning should continue to check before they travel for the latest information.”