A power failure at a Network Rail operating centre in Manchester on Thursday caused major disruption and cancellations across a large part of the rail network. Commuters in the Midlands, Greater Manchester, and northwest England experienced delays of up to two hours and service cancellations.
Train operators Northern and TransPennine Express advised customers against travelling. TransPennine Express stated its trains were "unable to run safely" due to a failure in the network's communications systems. Companies affected included Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Lumo, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales.
Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, said some disruption to services is expected on Friday morning as a knock-on effect. Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, also warned of further disruption for Friday morning, urging people to check National Rail Enquiries before travelling.
Warrick Dent, chief operating officer for Northern, apologised for the disruption and advised customers travelling through Manchester on Friday morning to check before they travel, as some knock-on delays may continue.