Cross Country cancels trains on ‘almost all routes’ after major power cut in city centre – as thousands face disruption

TRAINS across the UK have been cancelled after a major power cut at train operator CrossCountry’s control centre sparked travel chaos. The power cut started yesterday in Birmingham with the “significant and unforeseen disruption” affecting a large number of systems used to manage the railway. Services across almost all CrossCountry routes have been cancelled Credit: Alamy The train operator said significant disruption is expected due to a ‘power outage’ Credit: Alamy Major routes cancelled include services between Manchester and Birmingham, which passes through Stoke-on-Trent, Coventry and Wolverhampton. Routes from Leeds to York, Cheltenham to Cardiff and Glasgow to Edinburgh are also affected. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Cross Country said that only services going to Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport will run a “near-normal” service. Significant reductions to services and cancellations are expected across almost all routes today. These services have been withdrawn “until further notice” as a result of the power outage. Travellers are being warned to plan ahead with their journeys. Those planning to go by train may wish to take an alternative route and be aware of longer travel times. Tickets purchased for travel on CrossCountry services on Sunday 23 August can be used for travel with other train operators on that routem according to the train operator. Most read in The Sun Customers are advised to check their journey with National Rail Enquiries. Tickets purchased for travel on CrossCountry services on Sunday 23 August will be valid for travel on CrossCountry services up until Wednesday 26 August, a spokesperson added. Original tickets will remain valid for travel. Customers are also entitled to Delay Repay compensation if their train is delayed by 30 minutes or more. Meanwhile, those who choose not to travel can claim a refund for their journey. A CrossCountry spokesperson said: “A power cut in Birmingham city centre has affected the building where our control centre is located. “As a result, many of the systems our control teams use to manage the railway are currently unavailable. “Although colleagues are working hard to safely operate services using alternative processes, CrossCountry services will be significantly disrupted on Sunday 23 August. “While we will run as many trains as possible, passengers should expect significant reductions to services and cancellations across almost all CrossCountry routes throughout the day. “We are sorry to passengers affected by this significant and unforeseen disruption.” Comment now