Thames Valley infrastructure problems causing disruption elsewhere - 2026

[whole diary]

[IndustryInsider]

Notwithstanding a bit of a dip over the last couple of weeks, it seems to have been better generally of late?

I'm hesitant in bringing statistics into the game as it's easy to make them fit whatever narrative you want, but pulling data from https://dataportal.orr.gov.uk/statistics/performance/passenger-rail-performance/table-3181a-delay-minutes-per-1-000-train-miles-total-by-network-rail-region-periodic-1/ the average delay minutes for Wales & Western per 1000 train miles works out at:

75.5 for 2023/24 (the year Sadiq chipped in)
63.5 for 2024/25
60.3 for 2025/26 (one period of data still to be added)

Still poor...but definitely improving.

Interestingly, during the main Covid year it was 24.5 proving once again that all these delays are the passengers fault!   

[TaplowGreen]

Cancellations to services between Bedwyn and Newbury

Due to a broken down train between Hungerford and Pewsey the line towards Westbury is blocked. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

Train services between Bedwyn and Newbury will be cancelled.

[Trowres]

Culprit seems to have been the 6V50 Wembley-Merehead.

Moving again after standing for >3 hours. (passed Kintbury 16:52 and Bedwyn 20:22).

What are the barriers to achieving a rescue in less time?

[Witham Bobby]

Culprit seems to have been the 6V50 Wembley-Merehead.

Moving again after standing for >3 hours. (passed Kintbury 16:52 and Bedwyn 20:22).

What are the barriers to achieving a rescue in less time?

Lack of spare locos and traincrew at depots

Lack of inter-operability between classes of loco

Few places where there are crossovers to enable rescue locos to reach a failed train conveniently

Lack of lay-by loops and refuge sidings where a train can be placed "out of the way"

[TaplowGreen]

Culprit seems to have been the 6V50 Wembley-Merehead.

Moving again after standing for >3 hours. (passed Kintbury 16:52 and Bedwyn 20:22).

What are the barriers to achieving a rescue in less time?

Lack of spare locos and traincrew at depots

Lack of inter-operability between classes of loco

Few places where there are crossovers to enable rescue locos to reach a failed train conveniently

Lack of lay-by loops and refuge sidings where a train can be placed "out of the way"

Apart from that, all good! 

[NickB]

Surprise!!!  It’s bust again. 
Definitely reaching the point of ‘nope, I won’t bother going in case I can’t come back’ that we had in 2024 (and every other year since 2020 really)

Cancellations to services between Slough and Reading
Due to a points failure between Slough and Reading fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 22:45 17/04.

[TaplowGreen]

Surprise!!!  It’s bust again. 
Definitely reaching the point of ‘nope, I won’t bother going in case I can’t come back’ that we had in 2024 (and every other year since 2020 really)

Cancellations to services between Slough and Reading
Due to a points failure between Slough and Reading fewer trains are able to run on some lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 22:45 17/04.

If it's any comfort, (as we're told above) apparently it's "definitely improving" 

[IndustryInsider]

If it's any comfort, (as we're told above) apparently it's "definitely improving" 

Yes, I think that's a fair statement...as long as you include the "Still poor" bit.

Still poor...but definitely improving.

[TaplowGreen]

If it's any comfort, (as we're told above) apparently it's "definitely improving" 

Yes, I think that's a fair statement...as long as you include the "Still poor" bit.

Still poor...but definitely improving.

Really, "still poor" goes without saying!

[Chris from Nailsea]

You could also say, it's 'slightly less bad'. 

[IndustryInsider]

You could also say, it's 'slightly less bad'. 

Yes, I like that! 

[NickB]

Cancellations to services between Reading and London Paddington
Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines.
Train services running to and from these stations may be cancelled or delayed. Disruption is expected until 09:00 20/04.

[TaplowGreen]

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading

Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines. Disruption is expected until 13:00 20/04.

Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be cancelled or delayed.

Cancellations to services between Reading and Newbury

Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines. Disruption is expected until 13:00 20/04.

Train services between Reading and Newbury may be cancelled or delayed.

[TaplowGreen]

Cancellations to services between London Paddington and Reading

Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines. Disruption is expected until 13:00 20/04.

Train services between London Paddington and Reading may be cancelled or delayed.

Cancellations to services between Reading and Newbury

Due to trespassers on the railway between Reading and London Paddington fewer trains are able to run on all lines. Disruption is expected until 13:00 20/04.

Train services between Reading and Newbury may be cancelled or delayed.

Delays now until 6pm

"The person has been on the railway since the early hours, and despite Police negotiation they remain on the railway"

.............surely by now they could have been physically removed?

[NickB]

This does seem to be rather ridiculous.