Train service chaos as driver 'signalling fault' causes nationwide disruption

Key Points

Nationwide fault causes potential cancellations and delays to all train services
Trains across all 36 lines in Scotland are facing disruption at rush hour
The radio system between driver and signallers has been hit with an issue
Network Rail deploys engineers to resolve the issue
Passengers urged to check before they travel and allow extra time for journeys

A nationwide signalling fault on train services is causing major disruption to passengers across the country.

Network Rail said on Friday morning the radio system between drivers and signallers had been hit with a fault affecting services in Scotland, England and Wales.

It means disruption is likely across the entire network including for ScotRail services at rush hour – with services facing cancellation, delays and revisions.

Disruption is expected to last until around 9am on Friday.

Some services between Glasgow Central and Kilmarnock were cancelled while Arbroath to Glasgow Queen Street due at 9.55am will be started from Dundee due to the fault.

A journey leaving Edinburgh at 7.50am heading for Helensburgh Central was also cancelled due to the radio system fault.

The 8.50am service from Glasgow Central to Lanark due at 9.45am was also cancelled because of a fault with the radio system between the driver and the signaller.

⚠️ NEW: Due to a national fault with the radio system between drivers and signallers, services are subject to delays. Please note that this does not affect the safety of train running as alternative methods are in place. Speak to staff or press help points for further…
— ScotRail (@ScotRail) December 6, 2024

A ScotRail post read: “Due to a national fault with the radio system between drivers and signallers, services are subject to delays.

“Please note that this does not affect the safety of train running as alternative methods are in place.

“Speak to staff or press help points for further information.”

An update around 8.15am on X read: “Our colleagues at Network Rail are experiencing an industry-wide problem with communications systems.

“Thankfully ScotRail services are operating well, with some minor delays in places.

“Please check before you travel”.

Some users reported a fault with the ScotRail app when checking services on the Live Times section.

A Network Rail statement read: “We’re dealing with a national fault affecting the driver – signaller communication system.

“It’s causing disruption to services across Scotland, England and Wales.

“Our engineers are working to fix the fault as quickly as we can. We’re sorry if your journey’s affected.”

The entire ScotRail network affected by a fault. ScotRail

National Rail added: “There is a nationwide fault with the communication system used between train drivers and signallers.

“As a result, services across the National Rail network may be subject to disruption this morning.

“Trains across the network are having to start their journeys later because of this fault and some may also be subject to cancellations or alterations.

“Please check before you travel, allow extra time for your journey and monitor live departure boards.”