CrossCountry cancels ‘almost all’ UK train services

The disruption began (Saturday, August 22) following a power cut at the company’s control centre in Birmingham, which has left many essential railway management systems unavailable.

The disruption is affecting most routes, including services between Glasgow and Penzance, as well as Leeds and Manchester.

A CrossCountry spokesman said: “While we will run as many trains as possible, passengers should expect significant reductions to services and cancellations across almost all CrossCountry routes throughout the day.

⚠️ Services across the CrossCountry network will be significantly disrupted on Sunday 23 August due to a power cut affecting our control centre

Significant reductions to services and cancellations are expected across almost all routes

For more info:- https://t.co/MPIUm3OpAD

— CrossCountry Trains (@CrossCountryUK) August 23, 2026

“We are sorry to passengers affected by this significant and unforeseen disruption.

“We are working closely with relevant partners and will provide further updates as soon as possible.”

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “I am concerned to hear about a power outage affecting CrossCountry rail services today, which I know will be very frustrating to passengers.

“I’ve asked publicly owned operators to lay on extra services where possible.

“We’ve also sent Network Rail power teams who are onsite and working to restore power and systems as soon as possible.”

Further information if wishing to travel with SWR today in relation to the power outage at CrossCountry Control https://t.co/CSKVf4DKi7

— CrossCountry Trains (@CrossCountryUK) August 23, 2026

What CrossCountry services are impacted?

Most services are cancelled until further notice – including popular routes linking Glasgow to Edinburgh, Manchester to Birmingham, Cheltenham to Cardiff and Newcastle to Edinburgh.

A near-normal service is expected between Peterborough, Cambridge and Stansted Airport “due to the impact of planned engineering work”, CrossCountry said.

Chiltern Railways said it had added services between Birmingham Moor Street and Oxford to help with the disruption, adding it will accept “all CrossCountry tickets via any reasonable route”.

London North Eastern Railway also confirmed it would accept CrossCountry tickets “to help get affected customers to their destination”.

What can CrossCountry customers do?

CrossCountry has apologised to customers via social media, advising them of alternative routes.

Passengers are advised to check their journeys using National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

Tickets dated for Sunday, August 23, can be used with other train operators on the same route and will remain valid on CrossCountry services until Wednesday, August 26.

Passengers delayed by 30 minutes or more are eligible for Delay Repay compensation, and those who choose not to travel can claim a refund.

The disruption has prompted frustration among travellers, with some describing the cancellations as “very frustrating.”

Has your journey been impacted by CrossCountry cancellations today? Let us know in the comments.