Saturday, July 20, 2024 Commuters across the UK encountered significant travel disruptions during rush hour today due to a global IT outage that crippled major train lines. Passengers on Thameslink, Southern Rail, Great Northern and Gatwick Express , all operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) , faced the brunt of the impact. Official GTR Statement Acknowledges IT Issues and Potential Disruptions GTR took to social media to inform passengers about the widespread IT issues plaguing their network.
Their statement highlighted the following: IT outage affecting entire network: Critical IT systems were down, impacting operations across all GTR lines. Investigation underway: GTR’s IT team actively investigated the root cause of the problem. Potential short-notice cancellations: The lack of access to driver diagrams could lead to last-minute cancellations, particularly on Thameslink and Great Northern routes.
Real-time information unavailable: Passenger information systems, including departure boards, were also affected. Limited Ticket Purchases and Disruptions at Other Train Operators The IT outage rippled beyond GTR, causing disruptions at other train operators. TransPennine Express (TPE), a major train operator serving Northern England and Scotland, also reported IT issues.
These problems affected functionalities at TPE stations, hindering passengers’ ability to purchase tickets through the usual channels. TPE advised passengers to be prepared with alternative methods of ticket purchase, such as using the TPE mobile app (if functional) or having cash available to buy tickets on board the trains. This situation likely caused delays and frustration for passengers, particularly those unfamiliar with the process of onboard ticket purchases.
Microsoft Investigating Cause of Global IT Outage While the specific cause remained under investigation, reports indicated Microsoft 365 was experiencing problems impacting users’ access to apps and services. This wider IT malfunction reportedly affected airlines, broadcasters, and banks, causing disruptions beyond the transportation sector. Advice for Passengers: Check Before You Travel With the situation constantly evolving, GTR urged passengers to regularly check their planned journeys before traveling.
The official GTR website and social media channels are likely to be updated with the latest information on cancellations and delays..
