COMMUTERS were facing delays and overcrowding during Friday s evening rush hour because of overhead-powerline problems and half-capacity trains. Train operators First Capital Connect reported that trains using the overhead cables were tripping out the pow

COMMUTERS were facing delays and overcrowding during Friday's evening rush hour because of overhead-powerline problems and half-capacity trains.

Train operators First Capital Connect reported that trains using the overhead cables were tripping out the power supply on the Thameslink line at around noon..

This caused delays of up 40 minutes in both directions between Bedford and Brighton while Network Rail engineers worked to solve the problem.

Although the fault was repaired, an FCC spokesperson said the knock-on effect meant that passengers travelling to and from St Albans, Radlett and Harpenden faced delays of up to 20 minutes.

There could also be overcrowding as FCC said they would be running some four-car trains rather than the usual eight-car ones during the peak service.

If people wanted to make alternative travel arrangements, FCC said their tickets would be valid on the London Underground and Southern Railway and Southeastern services.