1pm snow update on rail travel

Due to the spread of snowy weather there are some areas of disruption on the UK rail network, but as of 1pm today, 70% of trains were arriving at their destination on time.

Train companies are working hard with Network Rail to deal with the snow and ensure as many trains run as possible. Measures taken include:
 

• Running empty ‘ghost trains’ and de-icer trains through the night to keep tracks and overhead cables free of snow and ice
• Putting extra staff on standby to help deal with the weather conditions and provide information to passengers
• Clearing and gritting platforms and the approaches to stations to keep them safe for passengers
• Some train companies affected by disruption are lifting restrictions on tickets bought in advance – passengers should check before they travel

A spokesperson for the Association of Train Operating Companies said: “Train companies are working tirelessly to deal with snow and ice in affected parts of the country, to ensure that as many trains arrive on time as possible and that disruption to passengers is kept to a minimum. Hundreds of staff have been working day and night in freezing conditions to keep trains moving and get passengers to where they need to go.

“The railways remain more resilient in the face of severe weather than road or air travel, and the majority of services are continuing to arrive on time.”

To get the most up-to-date information during wintry conditions, passengers should use National Rail Enquiries (NRE), which is paid for and run by train companies:
 

• Check the NRE website at www.nationalrail.co.uk which includes all information about current disruption (www.nationalrail.co.uk/disruption), an overview of how trains are running for each operator (www.nationalrail.co.uk/status), live departure boards of train services and journey planners
• Call NRE’s automated train tracker service on 0871 200 49 50, which will give passengers up-to-date information about their services
• Subscribe to NRE Twitter updates at @nationalrailenq, or its NRE Disruption Facebook page

ENDS