-
What should passengers know about travel disruptions?
Passengers should stay informed about potential delays and cancellations due to the heatwave. Rail companies are advising travelers to check for real-time updates on their services, as speed restrictions are in place on major lines. It's crucial to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.
-
What are the speed restrictions in place?
Speed restrictions have been implemented on several major rail lines to ensure safety during the heatwave. These restrictions are necessary to prevent track damage caused by extreme temperatures, which can lead to buckling. Passengers can expect slower travel times as a result.
-
How are rail companies responding to the heatwave?
Rail companies are actively monitoring the situation and have put measures in place to manage the impact of the heatwave. This includes implementing speed restrictions and advising passengers to check for updates. Companies are also working to address any service disruptions caused by weather-related incidents.
-
Why was Virgin's application to return to the West Coast Main Line rejected?
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) rejected Virgin's application to return to the West Coast Main Line due to concerns over train performance and capacity. The ORR emphasized that adding more services could compromise punctuality and reliability, especially during this period of extreme weather.
-
What other factors are affecting UK rail services?
In addition to the heatwave, other factors such as fallen trees and ongoing capacity issues are also impacting rail services. For instance, a tree fall has disrupted services on the West Coast Main Line, compounding the challenges faced by rail operators during this extreme weather.