An investigation has been launched by Network Rail after the cancellation of dozens of trains between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells during the height of yesterday’s morning rush-hour.
Outside the town station, stranded commuters stood in a queue which stretched for hundreds of yards down Waterloo Road as they waited for the replacement bus service to turn up.
However, the buses were also delayed as gridlock and tailbacks formed on the road network between the two towns and around High Brooms.
Network Rail said the cancellations were caused after some equipment was damaged by an engineering train during the early hours of the morning.
A spokesman said: “Network Rail would like to apologise to all passengers who endured a dreadful journey to work.
“An engineering train damaged a crucial piece of railway equipment at Somerhill Tunnel, where the two tracks temporarily merge into one, just outside Tonbridge in the early hours.
“This meant that no trains were able to run between Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells in either direction.”
Southeastern says customers will be able to seek compensation by using its Delay Repay Âprogramme.
HOW TO CLAIM COMPENSATION:
Southeastern urged customers to seek compensation via its Delay Repay programme. This entitles passengers to refunds for delays over 30 minutes against the published train schedule. Those making a claim must do so within 28 days of the delayed journey and provide proof of travel. Delays of two hours or more warrant a 100 per cent refund. See: www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/contact-us/delay-repay
