Power failures have caused travel chaos across north west England with millions of Britons facing major disruption on the railways.
Trains across Greater Manchester, the Midlands and the North West will be cancelled, delayed by up to 60 minutes or rescheduled.
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National Rail first announced disruption at around 2.18pm, caused by an electricity supply failure at a “communications centre”, with disruption expected until the end of the day.
Services provided by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales are all being impacted.
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National Rail has confirmed “rail replacement transport has not been arranged at this time”.
All Avanti West Coast services out of Macclesfield railway station have been suspended, with tickets able to be used on London Northwestern Railway services between Crewe and London Euston and Transport for Wales services between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe.
East Midlands Railway are currently advising commuters to not travel between Sheffield and Liverpool, with trains continuing to run between Nottingham and Sheffield in both directions.
Both Northern and TransPennine Express are advising people not to travel, with Transport for Wales organising replacement buses to run between Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Piccadilly.
A spokesman from the Bee Network said: “Due to a power failure at the Manchester Rail Operating Centre (ROC), there is major disruption on the rail network across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and the Midlands.
“Delays and cancellations are expected on all operator routes across Greater Manchester until the end of today (Thursday, August 6).
“Rail operators have issued a do not travel notice with travel advice and the latest information on the National Rail website.
“Ticket acceptance is in place on all Bee Network buses and Metrolink services across Greater Manchester for rail passengers affected. More information can be found on the TfGM website.”
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Meanwhile, London Northwestern Railway (LNR) has confirmed there has been a power cut at Crewe, causing some of its services to be delayed or cancelled.
A LNR spokesman said says rail replacement services have been ordered for between Crewe and Liverpool Lime Street.
National Rail confirmed travellers could get a full refund if they decide not to travel this evening. “If you decide not to travel, you can claim a full refund from your original point of purchase,” National Rail says.
“If claiming for delay repay, you will need to do this through the train operator you are travelling with.”
National Rail has warned further disruption could spread to other operators from major hubs for the evening rush hour, including Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street.
West Midlands Railway, however, says it is currently reporting “normal service” on all routes.
Ticket acceptance arrangements are currently in place to help customers complete their journeys, meaning travellers can use their tickets on any other relevant operator.
Off-Peak ticket restrictions have also been relaxed during this ongoing disruption.
Are you currently being impacted by the ongoing disruption? Email me: george.bunn@gbnews.uk.
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