Guide to Rail Replacement Services - London

When any of the London's rail networks (underground, overground, TFL, DLR) are closed for maintenance, there are usually replacement services or special services to cover the disrupted areas. Finding your nearest service can be bit tough for someone new to the area.

These disruptions will mostly be during the weekends and if your station is going to be affected, you will see notices at the entrance and exit about the planned maintenance. All stations will put up notices about the maintenance work but the stations specifically affected will have additional information about the replacement bus services. This would include timings of the service and the bus stops. The bus stop will usually be the one nearest to the station and will have the sign saying "Rail replacement services stop here". On the streets or lamp posts you may see the sign boards saying "Rail replacement bus", these are route direction for the bus driver and not for the public. Do not follow these signs unless you want to walk to your destination.

Also to be noted is that the service is free of cost and therefore you need not buy a ticket or use your oyster card.

If you use the journey planner on the TFL website, it will tell you if you need to use the replacement bus service or not.Another thing of note is, if your train into London is delayed and if you so happen to miss your connecting services, contact any of the staff on the station, they must arrange a means of transport (taxi,bus) or provide a compensation for the delay.

Disclaimer: Since the railway network at some times can be unreliable and prone to sudden changes, the author of the article is not responsible for any travel inconveniences that may occur because of the information present here. Please check your local travel information before your journey.