DISRUPTION to the railways is expected to last until the end of the week, as train performance issues continue.

As previously reported, a reduced timetable was imposed last week after it was discovered that issues with fuel meant that trains were unable to reach their normal speeds.

As of the time of writing, there are no direct trains to London Waterloo.

  • Train services between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids will only operate between Salisbury and Exeter St Davids. Trains might also run at reduced speeds, with delays likely.
  • A replacement shuttle service will operate between Salisbury and Basingstoke

Passengers who require a train between London Waterloo and Basingstoke are advised to board a South Western Railway service between London Waterloo and Weymouth, Poole and Portsmouth via Eastleigh or a stopping service to Basingstoke.  

More information on the current situation can be found on South Western Railway's website.

SWR’s chief operating officer, Stuart Meek, said: “We’re very sorry for the disruption that will be felt by our customers on the West of England Line, in the Romsey area and other destinations west of Salisbury. Over the last two days some services have suffered delays due to a fuel problem and so we have had no choice but to withdraw the affected trains.

“With fewer trains available and a risk of delays, which would have a knock-on effect on the wider network, we have had to make the difficult decision to operate an amended timetable. While we appreciate it is frustrating that fewer services will be operating, this timetable does give our customers a service they can have confidence in.

“We really appreciate our customers’ patience and advise them to check before travelling. We will provide an update when we know we can reinstate the usual timetable and run services as normal.”