A power failure at a rail communications centre caused extensive train disruption across the North West of England, Greater Manchester, and the West Midlands on 6 August 2026.
Services run by Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales were affected. Train cancellations, delays up to 60 minutes, and revised schedules were reported on these routes.
The disruption began around 2:00pm (14:00 BST) on 6 August and is expected to continue until the end of the day.
Official Statements and Travel Advice
National Rail confirmed the electrical supply failure at a communications centre was the cause,
stating, “A failure of the electricity supply at a communications centre means trains across the Greater Manchester area, the Midlands and North West of England are being disrupted. This is expected to cause major disruption until the end of the day. If you’re travelling with Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express or Transport for Wales in the affected area, your train may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Please allow extra time to make your journey this afternoon as you may need to use an alternative route or change trains partway through to reach
your destination.” Northern and TransPennine Express advised customers not to travel during the disruption.
Ticket Acceptance and Replacement Bus Services
All impacted train operators have implemented ticket acceptance policies and ticket easements allowing passengers to use alternative services without additional charges. Transport for Wales ticket holders can access rail replacement bus services running between Warrington Quay and Manchester Piccadilly free of charge while train services are disrupted.
Passengers should expect cancellations and delays and plan for longer journey times given the requirement for possible route changes or train transfers.
