Hundreds of trains axed as deadline for bosses fails to halt rail chaos

timetable from Sunday 15 July in a bid to ease the problems. It did not say how long this timetable will last or how many more services will be cancelled.

The company will concentrate on improving peak-time services, but that could mean fewer off-peak services. The Government, which owns the network run by GTR, is to offer a month’s free travel for the 230,000 affected passengers. A commuter from Peterborough stands to receive a refund of £545, from Bedford £524, Brighton £360 and from East Croydon £147. Passengers have suffered months of cancellations and late running made worse when the new timetables were introduced in May, with each section of the rail industry blaming the other for the problems.

Most of the problems have been due to drivers being unfamiliar with and having to be trained on new routes. Unions say there are too few drivers.

GTR said: “Trains continue to be subject to alteration or cancellation as training of drivers on the new routes and trains continues. There may be additional short notice cancellations, delays and alterations.” Buses could replace trains in some areas.

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, has reportedly given GTR two weeks to improve, otherwise the Government will take control. Officials said passengers were encountering “unacceptable service levels”.

GTR said today: “We are sorry for the disruption which we are working very hard to fix. We are doing all we can to improve things for our passengers in t h e c o mi n g we e ks . Th i s includes working with the Department for Transport and Network Rail on the new interim timetable which will operate from 15 July.

“This interim timetable prioritises peak-hours services and reduces service gaps. This is a key stage in our work to provide a more reliable service to passengers over the coming months.”

Meanwhile, tennis fans heading to and from the Wimbledon using South Western services face a week of delays, overcrowding and a queuing system at Wimbledon station.

Trains have been limited to speeds varying between 20mph and 40mph each day from 11am because of the risk of rails buckling during the heatwave. The company said all trains serving Wimbledon “are likely to be extremely busy”.