Media centre

Friday 8 Jul 2005

RAIL SERVICES UPDATE 10.30AM

Region & Route:

| Southern

Rail services in and around London are running as normal today.  All Network Rail’s major London stations are open and train services are running as close to a normal service as possible. Even at King’s Cross, which suffered the most disruption yesterday, suburban services have returned to normal.  GNER, which had all its services suspended yesterday, has begun to run an hourly service out of the station this morning. Network Rail Chief Executive, John Armitt, said:  “Our first thoughts are with those people who were most affected by yesterday’s events, those who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and the many railway and London Underground employees who witnessed or worked in traumatic circumstances. “We are immensely proud of the effort our people made yesterday: keeping the rail network running, swiftly re-opening stations following security alerts – and, most importantly, making sure people were able to get home at the end of the day. “Our priority today is, once again, to ensure as normal and reliable a rail service as possible.  We will continue to support the emergency services, particularly the police as they continue their investigations into these terrible crimes.” Although services are running as normal today, passengers should be prepared for station closures at short notice due to security alerts.  Before 10am this morning security alerts temporarily closed Charing Cross, Liverpool Street and Euston stations for brief periods.  John Armitt said:  “We urge passengers to help us minimise security alerts at this sensitive time, by keeping their luggage and belongings with them at all times.  While we want passengers to travel as normal, we also ask them to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious to the nearest member of staff.” Passengers looking for information about rail services can contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or check the website: www.nationalrail.co.uk. People in London who want information on tube and bus services should contact London Transport on 020 7222 1234 or check out TfL’s website: www.tfl.gov.uk.