Abbey Line from Watford to St Albans disrupted all day

National Rail has confirmed that many trains on the Abbey Line, between Watford Junction and St Albans Abbey, will not run today (August 3) due to “a shortage of train crew”.

Passengers were reminded that they may be entitled to compensation if they are delayed by the issues.

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“Disruption is expected until the end of the day,” a message shared at 7.36am added.

So far, London Northwestern Railway, which manages the line, has confirmed that the following services will be cancelled and replaced by a bus service today:

• 12:45 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey
• 13:08 St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction
• 13:45 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey
• 14:08 St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction
• 14:45 Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey
• 15:08 St Albans Abbey to Watford Junction

Live departure information available here

Abbey Line users have regularly complained about the reliability of the service, with some suggesting that it is low on the priority list for London Northwester Railway and so often the first to be cancelled if something goes wrong.

At a Hertfordshire County Council meeting in February, Councillor Steve Cavinder said: “The recent history of the line is one of repeated cancellations, as the line seems to be picked on when there are driver shortages.

“This has destroyed passenger confidence.”

The Abbey Line.

The operating company has previously said that it shares passengers’ frustration over cancellations but claimed “running a reliable service is our priority”.

A spokesperson added: “We recognise the importance of a maintaining a strong rail connection between Watford and St Albans and remain in constructive dialogue with the council on service provision.

“We are fully committed to improving our performance on the route.”