[story updated 11.48 10/10/2014]
REPEATED disruption on the Great Western Main Line through the Thames Valley this week has prompted Network Rail to apologise, after signal failures at Slough were blamed for the difficulties. First Great Western said the disruptions had been 'frustrating'.
Scores of trains were cancelled, while many others were curtailed or delayed. One Railnews reader commented: "I have been delayed twice this week at Paddington waiting for a non-existing train to appear."
Network Rail said: “We are sorry for the problems that have affected train services on the Great Western Main Line this week. Performance has been well below the standards passengers deserve and expect.
“We are acutely aware of the frustration and inconvenience felt by passengers when things go wrong. We are working constantly across the rail network to improve the reliability of train services, investing billions over the next five years across the West's rail network to improve signalling, replace old equipment and bring in new modern technology and new trains to provide more reliable train services."
First Great Western said it welcomed the apology, after the problems had spilled into a third day in what had been 'a frustrating week for passengers'.
Network Rail had first reported problems with signalling and related equipment in the Slough area early on Monday 6 October, blocking all lines. The result was that only 25 per cent of booked services could run.
Another problem occurred yesterday (Thursday), which again meant that a full timetable could not be provided. The fault was eventually repaired at 07.00 this morning, but not before it had again had a significant effect on the morning rush hour. FGW lifted ticket restrictions and offered refunds to passengers.
Network Rail is still investigating exactly what caused the fault. A spokesman added: "This week we have not been able to provide the reliability passengers expect for which we apologise. We are wholly focused on delivering a new, modern, reliable rail network for London and the West."