Request ID: FOI-4385-2324 Date published: 25 March 2024
You asked
Dear TfL,
My request relates to today's disruption (26.02.24) on the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Reading.
1. At what time were MTR EL first made aware that a line block would be put in place on the relief lines (in addition to the block already in place on the main lines) between Twyford and Reading?
2. At this time, were MTR EL told how long the line block on the relief lines would remain in place for? If so, how long was it envisaged that the lines would be blocked for?
3. Did MTR EL attempt to source rail replacement buses? If so, at what time? What was the outcome of this?
4. At what point are MTR EL required to source replacement buses? Is there a threshold?
5. Were MTR EL ever ordered to reduce the number of trains running through Maidenhead, in both directions? If so, at what time was this ordered, and at what time did this order expire?
6. Please provide copies of reports produced by MTR EL, reviewing their response to this incident.
Thanks,
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-4385-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 26th February 2024 asking for information about the performance of the Elizabeth Line on 26th February 2024. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below: My request relates to today's disruption (26.02.24) on the Elizabeth line between Paddington and Reading. Question 1. At what time were MTR EL first made aware that a line block would be put in place on the relief lines (in addition to the block already in place on the main lines) between Twyford and Reading? Answer: Services stopped at 12.05 due to a tree fire in the Burnham area, due to a branch touching the overhead line equipment. Power was removed to allow the Fire Brigade to attend the site. This resulted in a full line stop initially. Question 2. At this time, were MTR EL told how long the line block on the relief lines would remain in place for? If so, how long was it envisaged that the lines would be blocked for? Answer: The power was restored at 12:39 with the exception of the Up relief line, which was restored at approximately 14:30. MTREL was not advised from the outset how long the power would be off for – however, as the situation was established with Network Rail they were made aware. Question 3. Did MTR EL attempt to source rail replacement buses? If so, at what time? What was the outcome of this? Answer: Yes, rail replacement buses were requested at 13:15. At 13:55 it was confirmed that buses were not available due to lack of vehicles and drivers. Question 4. At what point are MTR EL required to source replacement buses? Is there a threshold? Answer: Contractually this is 4 hours. In practice, however, it depends on the nature of the incident and individual circumstances. If it is foreseen that disruption is significant and likely to continue then buses will generally be requested within the first hour. Question 5. Were MTR EL ever ordered to reduce the number of trains running through Maidenhead, in both directions? If so, at what time was this ordered, and at what time did this order expire? Answer: No, MTREL was not “ordered” to do this. It was agreed that works needed to talk place on the route between Twyford and Reading. It was agreed that MTREL would run a contingency timetable on this day in response to the landslip between Twyford and Reading. When the power was cut there were initially 7 stranded trains. When the power was returned to all lines except the Up Relief, this meant 6 of the 7 trains were able to continue in passenger service. Question 6. Please provide copies of reports produced by MTR EL, reviewing their response to this incident. Answer: Please see the report attached. The names of staff have been redcated under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that protects against the unfair release of personal data. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
