Heatwave disrupts train services across South West

Passengers travelling in the South West are advised to prepare for disruptions today (13th August), as Great Western Railway (GWR) and Network Rail respond to an amber weather warning forecasting higher temperatures.

GWR has confirmed that while most services will operate normally, some will experience reductions. Travellers are encouraged to check journey details before travelling and to carry water, as short-notice changes are anticipated due to the heat.

Travel and Journey Disruptions

Passengers planning to travel between London and Reading should anticipate changes to some local stopping services. Adjustments are being made to reduce the risk of points failure by minimising their use between tracks.

This will primarily impact all-stations services that use slower relief lines, including trains serving Slough, Maidenhead, and Twyford. Additionally, direct trains to Oxford will experience reductions.

Other network areas will face interruptions, with reduced services during peak heat times, including:

• Cornwall services between Truro and Falmouth reduced to hourly.
• Bus replacements for the Okehampton branch line.
• Services continuing to operate between Exeter St Davids and Barnstaple.
• Hourly services between Cardiff (via Salisbury) and Portsmouth to continue as normal, but extra Bristol to Salisbury services will not run. Train tickets will be valid on local buses.
• Removal of the shuttle service between Bristol Temple Meads and Filton Abbey Wood, with train tickets valid on local buses in the area.

Customer Advice

Customers are urged to check travel timings as part of their plans, particularly during the hottest part of the day, and to allow extra time for potentially longer journeys. Carrying water is recommended, and passengers feeling unwell from the heat are encouraged to seek assistance from staff.

If a booked train is cancelled, passengers can choose to travel on either of the two trains scheduled before or after their booked service.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.