Spectators’ travel disrupted as signal failures cause Tube delays

Piccadilly line trains did not run between Hammersmith and Northfields or Uxbridge after a signal failed at Acton Town in west London. Trains elsewhere on the line were severely delayed.

Another signal failure at Earl’s Court, near the Olympic volleyball venue, led to delays on the District line.

Morning rush-hour delays on the Jubilee line were also attributed to a signal failure at Wembley Park.

Transport for London (TfL) reported that the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines had been carrying extra passengers to the Olympic football taking place at Wembley Stadium.

Baker Street, King’s Cross and Green Park stations were also very busy.

TfL also said Earl’s Court was busy due to the volleyball, while large crowds were at Greenwich for equestrian events.

Transport has generally coped well with the hordes of spectators attending Olympic events.

The Tube carried a record 4.4 million passengers last Friday and the number of passengers using West End Underground stations last Saturday evening was 27 per cent more than usual.

Normal services were running again on the District and Jubilee lines by mid-morning.

Although the Piccadilly line reopened, delays persisted on the entire line until lunchtime.

The delays were severe on the most northern end of the line between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters.

At Green Park – one of the busiest Underground stations during the Olympics– platforms became packed with passengers.

TfL said that others trying to enter the station were held back until the congestion could be cleared.

Later in the morning – while the delays continued on the Piccadilly line – a faulty train at Harrow-on-the-Hill in north-west London added further disruption to the severe delays affecting Metropolitan line trains serving Wembley Stadium.