CROSSCOUNTRY CANCELS MOST SUNDAY SERVICES AFTER BIRMINGHAM POWER CUT

CrossCountry cancelled most of its Sunday services across the UK following an electrical failure at its main control centre in Birmingham. The power cut rendered critical systems used to manage the railway network unavailable, forcing the operator to withdraw journeys across almost all routes until further notice. Services were suspended on major routes including Glasgow to Edinburgh, Manchester to Birmingham, Cheltenham to Cardiff, and Newcastle to Edinburgh. A near-normal service continued between Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport, whilst a planned rail replacement bus service remained in operation between Leicester and Peterborough.

CrossCountry offered passengers whose journeys were cancelled the option to use their tickets with other train operators on the same route, with validity extended until Wednesday. Chiltern Railways added extra services between Birmingham Moor Street and Oxford and confirmed it would accept CrossCountry tickets via any reasonable route. London North Eastern Railway also agreed to accept CrossCountry tickets to assist affected customers. Passengers experiencing delays of 30 minutes or more could apply for Delay Repay compensation, whilst those choosing not to travel could claim refunds.

The disruption prompted complaints from customers on social media regarding the cancellations, with some expressing frustration at the short notice and impact on pre-booked journeys. CrossCountry replied to multiple posts offering apologies and alternative travel advice. The operator advised passengers planning Sunday travel to check their journeys via National Rail Enquiries before departing.