Cambridge-Stansted Rail Replacement Confusion: Trains or Buses This Weekend?

[Neilandrewhall]

Hi all,

I work for a rail replacement company, and we’re supposed to be running services from Cambridge to Stansted this weekend. However, I was informed on Wednesday that our services were cancelled because the trains were supposedly back on this weekend. This information was said to have come from CrossCountry.

The confusing part is, when I check on Real Time Trains, National Rail, and Open Train Times, they all still show buses for this route. One of the drivers coming down from Wales today hasn’t been informed of the cancellation either, and only knows what I’ve told him after showing the email from the TOC about the cancellation.

I’m reaching out here on the RailUK forums to see if anyone has more information or knows something I’m missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Neil

 

[Skimpot flyer]

National Rail Enquiries show services on Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour, from Cambridge to Stansted Airport.
When you click on any of the services, there’s a notation that ‘this service is likely to be a coach with limited accessibility’ but the bus symbol isn’t shown on the list of services

 

[Neilandrewhall]

National Rail Enquiries show services on Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour, from Cambridge to Stansted Airport.
When you click on any of the services, there’s a notation that ‘this service is likely to be a coach with limited accessibility’ but the bus symbol isn’t shown on the list of services

That’s what I am confused about. As I can’t post the messages on here due to GDPR but I am thinking do I go to the shifts tomorrow and Sunday?

 

[transportphoto]

Dare I suggest this is probably better a conversation between you (your company) and the company that is contracting you?

Trains may be running but they may still wish for buses. There’s no way of telling, it comes down to a decision from whoever is paying the bill.

 

[jammmmmsssssss]

Great Northern and Greater Anglia engineering works still have it on. I don't see any reason for it to be cancelled

 

[RJ]

National Rail Enquiries show services on Sunday at 15 minutes past the hour, from Cambridge to Stansted Airport.
When you click on any of the services, there’s a notation that ‘this service is likely to be a coach with limited accessibility’ but the bus symbol isn’t shown on the list of services

In short, that means it is rail replacement buses.

Engineering works: Stansted Airport | National Rail

Buses replace trains between Cambridge and Stansted Airport and between Cambridge North and Audley End on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September. See details of routes affected by planned engineering works, including when they take effect, alternative timetables, advice for alternative travel...

www.nationalrail.co.uk

Looks like the engineering works and rail replacement buses are going ahead as planned.

Seems like the rail replacement bus duties are still operating, but somebody in the chain has either taken back, or chucked back the work, resulting in the drivers being out of pocket - I agree this is a conversation best had with the bus operator.

 

[Magdalia]

The engineering work this weekend is for Cambridge South Station and the associated track changes. It was announced ages ago.

When I passed by earlier this week it looked like preparations for work at Shepreth Branch Junction.

There are 4 more weekend closures in October and November.