ScotRail commuters have been hit with delays this morning amid a major nationwide fault across the UK railway network.
At least eight lines are thought to be impacted by the error, which has come from the radio system used between train drivers and signallers. Alongside ScotRail, The Elizabeth line, the Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, South Western Rail, Thameslink and Southeastern lines are also affected.
The failure with the GSM-R system “is currently being investigated”, National Rail Enquiries said. GSM-R is designed to enable driver and signallers to communicate digitally at all times, including while trains are in areas such as tunnels and deep cuttings where previous analogue systems did not work.
It was rolled out to increase safety and reduce costs by replacing the patchwork of inefficient legacy systems which were expensive to maintain.
In a post on X, ScotRail said: “Our colleagues at Network Rail are experiencing an industry-wide problem with communications systems. Thankfully ScotRail services are operating well, with some minor delays in places. Please check before you travel.”
ScotRail passengers are being permitted to travel via “any reasonable route” because of the issue. Network Rail was approached for a comment.
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