Power outage disrupts London Underground travel plans
- Several London Underground lines faced suspensions and severe delays due to a power cut in south-west London.
- Transport for London reported that the disruption was caused by a National Grid issue that impacted the subway network for a brief period.
- The incident resulted in significant travel frustrations for commuters, demonstrating the vulnerabilities in the urban transport infrastructure.
On May 12, 2025, significant disruptions occurred across the London Underground, London Overground, and Elizabeth line due to a power outage in south-west London. The issue began around 14:30 BST, leading to the suspension of several lines including Bakerloo, Waterloo & City, and parts of the Mildmay line. A spokesperson from Transport for London reported that this power failure was a result of a National Grid issue which affected the network for several minutes. Following the power restoration, severe delays and partial line suspensions continued, impacting the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and other services, prompting widespread frustration among commuters. Several central London stations, particularly Waterloo, faced complete closures, further complicating travel in the city. Very few trains were operational during the outage, causing significant disruptions to daily commutes and travel plans. In addition to the Underground disruptions, the entire Suffragette line on London Overground was suspended due to a fire alert. The Transport for London website experienced intermittent issues, making it difficult for passengers to get reliable travel information. A Tube driver stuck at Regent's Park reported being unable to move for hours due to the outage. Commuters expressed their frustration, illustrating the far-reaching impact of the power failure. Justine and her companion, who had traveled from Leamington Spa to London for a passport renewal, found themselves unable to continue their journey due to closed stations. This situation highlights the potential consequences of infrastructure failures on the city's transit network and raises questions about the reliability of public transport in London.