Update (Wednesday 24 June) on the rail industry’s response to the current period of extreme heat, alongside the latest position for TransPennine Express.
Passengers travelling to, from, or within areas affected by the current extreme heat are being advised to only undertake essential journeys, particularly during the peak conditions forecast for Wednesday 24 June and Thursday 25 June. The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for large parts of southern England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach record levels.
Rail services will continue to operate; however, disruption across the network is anticipated. For safety reasons, speed restrictions and amended timetables are in place, meaning journeys may take longer and there is an increased risk of delays, cancellations and short-notice alterations. Rail replacement bus services will not be available during this period.
Passengers are being strongly encouraged to:
• Check their journey status before travel
• Allow additional time for journeys
• Travel only, if necessary, in affected areas
• Take precautions such as carrying water, wearing appropriate clothing and planning for contingencies
For the latest travel information, please refer to:
• National Rail Enquiries: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk
• TransPennine Express travel updates: https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-updates
• Met Office weather warnings: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice
The industry continues to monitor conditions closely, including the geographical scope of weather warnings, and guidance may be updated as required.
TransPennine Express position
The current position for TransPennine Express is that no further service changes are expected at this time, with the amended timetable already in operation (Transpennine Route upgrade engineering work).
Potential impacts associated with the forecast conditions are being kept under review, and appropriate operational mitigations will be considered as necessary, particularly in line with the higher temperatures forecast in the next two days.
Extreme heat can affect infrastructure including track, power and signalling systems, and proactive monitoring remains in place to support safe and reliable operations as far as possible.
TPE will continue to keep stakeholders updated as the situation develops.