Thameslink warns Bedford and Luton passengers "only travel if you absolutely have to" on Wednesday

Cancellations and one hour delays on route to London for second time in three days
Thameslink is warning of more disruption on its route into London on WednesdayThameslink is warning of more disruption on its route into London on Wednesday
Thameslink is warning of more disruption on its route into London on Wednesday

Train passengers from Bedford and Luton are facing another day of disruption to their journeys.

Operator Thameslink says a number of incidents between London and St Albans is causing massive delays and cancellations.

It is attempting to run two trains an hour between Bedford and Brighton and an all-stations shuttle service between Bedford and West Hampstead.

A spokesman said: "Network Rail are investigating a complex power supply and signalling problem at Farringdon.

"Due to the nature of the power supply defect, a number of trains have been held at Farringdon, waiting for electrical power to become available. Trains are also running at reduced speeds due to the signalling fault.

"This has caused a number of long delays through the middle of London during our busiest morning peak hours.

There is also a signalling issue at St Albans City on one of the two lines towards London, and intermittently on one of the two northbound lines as well.

"Staff are also working with Network Rail on this problem, and their engineers are currently on site to rectify the fault.

"The combination of disruption in these two areas has led to most Thameslink trains and crews no longer being in the correct positions. This has meant it has been largely impossible to run according to the timetable.

"Services will be severely delayed, cancelled or revised and we anticipate disruption will continue until 8pm.

"We would advise out passengers to travel only if it is essential or to use an alternative route wherever one is available. We advise you to leave at least an hour of extra time for your journey."

East Midlands Railway services are running between Bedford, Luton and St Pancras International as normal but are likely to be very busy.

A limited shuttle train service is running between Bedford and West Hampstead Thameslink, calling at Flitwick, Harlington, Leagrave, Luton Airport Parkway and all stations to West Hampstead. Passengers are being advised to then change to London Underground services to continue their journeys.

The problems are also affecting Thameslink services on the Peterborough to London section and Luton-to-Rainham trains.

Problems with the power supply at Faringdon also caused major disruption on Monday.