Failed train sparks rush-hour chaos in London

A broken-down train led to long delays at a major London terminus today.

The problem, near Blackfriars station, was the latest in a long series of morning rush-hour hold-ups for passengers in late autumn.

Passengers travelling with the First Capital Connect and Southeastern train companies were affected by the Blackfriars delays, which were expected to last until as late as 5pm today.

In Scotland, a signalling problem caused by vandalism disrupted services between Caldecruix and Shettleston.

There were delays between Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street via Airdrie.

Also in Scotland, a signalling problem in the Kilwinning area meant buses had to replace trains between Ardrossan South Beach and Ardrossan Harbour.

In south west England, where last week's floods have continued to disrupt services, passengers faced hold-ups today due to a signal problem at Crewkerne in Somerset.

This led to delays of up to 60 minutes between Exeter St David's and Yeovil Junction.

A landslip that took place a week ago was still causing difficulties in the Dorking area of Surrey.

A supplementary bus service was running between Dorking and Horsham in West Sussex, with a normal service not expected on this route before Saturday at the earliest.

The proliferation of passengers' problems come as season ticket holders face the prospect of 4.2% average annual fare rises in just over four weeks' time. Some Kent commuters will be paying nearly 6.5% more for their 2013 season tickets.

PA