Train passengers are suffering a second day of disruption on Friday after a power outage ground trains to a halt across the Midlands and north-west England.
Electricity cut out in the main control hub for north-west England’s railways, the Manchester Rail Operating Centre near Ashburys station in the east of the city.
The failure, which happened at 1.41pm on Thursday, caused widespread cancellations and delays to services.
Network Rail said on Friday morning that “most train services across the North West are running”.
It added that its fully restored signalling systems late on Thursday, and trains displaced by the disruption were returned to depots ahead of the start of service on Friday.
Delays and cancellations are expected until midday on Friday, with passengers advised to check National Rail Enquiries and operators’ websites for updates.
Operators whose services remain affected on Friday morning are Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE) and Transport for Wales.
Northern said its “do not travel” alert first issued on Thursday afternoon would remain in place until 10am on Friday, as “some services will be amended and may not be able to run at all”.
TPE urged passengers to “please check carefully before any travel on Friday morning”.
Various ticket restrictions have been eased to help passengers get to where they need to go.
Train tickets are being accepted on Bee Network buses and Metrolink trams in Greater Manchester.
Chris Wright, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience following yesterday’s power outage and the disruption it caused across the North West.
“Our engineers worked through the night to restore signalling systems and recover the railway, and I’m pleased that most services are now running this morning.
“While some passengers may still experience disruption, we’re continuing to work closely with train operators to return services to normal as quickly as possible.
“Anyone planning to travel this morning should continue to check before they travel for the latest information.”
Electricity distribution company SP Electricity North West’s website states that a power cut in Harpurhey, which is north-east of the city centre, affected more than 400 postcodes, including that of the Manchester Rail Operating Centre.
It said: “The power cut in your area caused by an unexpected incident on our high voltage cable has now been resolved.”
Read MoreRail disruption expected into morning after power outage grinds trains to halt
Further disruption expected after Manchester power failure causes travel chaos
Electrical failure causes rail disruption in Midlands and north-west England
Detective ‘appalled’ by idea Pc Harper’s killers could be released early
Two men fighting for their lives and four arrested after violence in South Wales
Edinburgh Tattoo returns with ‘powerful’ celebration of culture and connection
