CrossCountry cancels UK services after power cut
Customers say the disruption to virtually all UK CrossCountry services is the "worst case scenario".
CrossCountry has halted nearly all of its UK rail services following a power failure at its control center.
The disruption, which began with a power outage in Birmingham on Saturday, has rendered many essential railway management systems inoperable, according to the rail operator.
The cancellations impact the majority of CrossCountry's routes, stretching from Glasgow to Penzance and Leeds to Manchester, and will continue indefinitely due to "significant and unforeseen disruption." CrossCountry was rated Britain's worst rail operator in June.
Passengers have taken to social media to express their frustration, describing the weekend situation as a "worst-case scenario." Some travelers have resorted to taking coaches before continuing their journeys with alternative train operators.
Major routes affected include Manchester to Birmingham (passing through Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry, and Wolverhampton), Leeds to York, Cheltenham to Cardiff, and Glasgow to Edinburgh.
Football fans heading to matches have been advised that services to and from Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle are likely to be "extremely busy."
At New Street station, there appears to be no mention of CrossCountry service cancellations on the main information board.
One passenger, posting on X, wrote: "A massive thank you to Cross Country Trains for cancelling my train this morning to Birmingham. You are truly not fit for service. You have also cancelled my train coming back but that is immaterial. Useless. Utterly useless."
Services to Plymouth and Penzance are also disrupted, with customers relying on Great Western Railway operators for alternative travel.
A CrossCountry spokesperson stated, "We are working closely with relevant partners and will provide further updates as soon as possible."
At New Street station, platform barriers are open, and regular announcements are being made to passengers regarding the disruption. While CrossCountry services have been removed from digital display lists, there is no explicit mention of cancellations.
Although CrossCountry typically serves over 100 stations, the only route expected to operate with a "near-normal" service is between Peterborough, Cambridge, and Stansted Airport.
The company has apologized to affected passengers and confirmed that tickets are being accepted by other operators.
Customers whose trains are delayed by 30 minutes or more are eligible for Delay Repay compensation. Those who opt not to travel can claim a refund for their journey.
National Rail has announced that affected customers can use London Underground services at no additional cost, as well as West Midlands Metro services between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street.
Train tickets purchased for CrossCountry services on Sunday will remain valid for travel until Wednesday.
The organization also advised football fans: "You may need to stand for part or all of your journey. If you require any assistance, please speak with a member of staff."