Transit disruption in London

A signalling fault disrupted Southern Rail and several Underground and Overground services, delaying London’s morning rush.

Southern Rail disruption hits London morning commute

Commuters heading into London faced widespread disruption as Southern Rail suspended services between East Croydon and Clapham Junction into Watford Junction until further notice. The fault in the signalling system caused delays of about 30 minutes and led to cancellations as passengers were urged to use alternative routes. National Rail said the issue was repaired around 8:20am, but disruption was expected to last until 10am during the morning peak.

London Overground trains running between Stratford and Willesden Junction into Clapham Junction were also affected. The Bakerloo line was suspended between Harrow & Wealdstone and Queen’s Park, and several Underground lines reported severe delays on the Circle, District, Elizabeth, Hammersmith & City and Mildmay lines, with the Central line and DLR experiencing minor delays. National Rail warned that trains operating on the affected sections could be cancelled or revised as teams worked to fix the fault.

This kind of disruption shows how London’s transit system depends on a single signalling network. When signals misbehave, trains stop, speeds drop and crews wait for permission to move. The knock-on effect reaches offices, shops and schools, slowing the city down at a key moment.

The incident also highlights how crucial clear, real time guidance is for riders. With a patchwork of lines and multiple operators, riders need reliable updates and realistic restoration timelines to plan around delays and avoid unnecessary journeys.

Highlights

Transit agencies will keep riders updated as services are restored and information is refined.