Rail operator shares concerns over delays from power failures

A RAIL operator says it shares the concerns of passengers after delays to journeys were caused by problems to the electrical power cables.

On Monday, March 25, passengers were left on platforms due to electrical problems on the wires that power the Great Western Network.

It is not the first time this has happened in recent weeks, prompting Matt Rodda to highlight the issue during a parliamentary debate on the National Policy Statement for National Networks.

The Reading East MP raised the issues in parliament, during a debate with transport secretary Guy Opperman.

He told him that thousands of commuters were stuck for up to two hours due to the issue with the overhead wires that connect to the trains.

“That has happened a number of times before for various reasons,” he said.

“I urge the Minister to consult with the rail minister and feedback the serious concerns of travellers on this vital piece of infrastructure.

“The line connects London with towns in the south-east, such as Reading, and is of strategic importance across the whole UK, connecting Wales, Bristol, the south-west and parts of the midlands with the capital city.

“It is vital that train travellers can rely on this excellent service, which normally allows swift and easy access to the heart of London.”

The new Elizabeth Line does offer some relief to commuters, something Mr Rodda said “is a huge benefit to us all”.

But he wanted the problems caused by the electrification of the railways to be resolved.

“There has been a series of issues with the overhead wires, which I hope the Minister will flag up. Will he or a colleague write to me to update me on the problems experienced by passengers and to highlight the action being taken to address them?”

Mr Opperman did not address Mr Rodda’s complaints specifically in his response.

The concerns were shared by GWR, which operates fast trains from Reading.

A spokesperson for GWR said: “We share our passengers’ concerns, and the team at Network Rail understands the impact on our customers when the infrastructure doesn’t perform as it should, and the need to improve.

“In the past year two-thirds of delays to our customers in the Thames Valley relate to problems with the track, signalling or overhead lines.

“At the same time, total delays caused by the trains themselves have reduced by over 50% in London and the Thames Valley since our new fleet was introduced in 2017.

“The steps outlined by the new regional Network Rail team should be welcomed.

“We look forward to working with them to understand the delivery plan in more detail and help minimise the impact of the work on customers.”