Southern trains in Croydon will face significant disruption on Sunday, October 25, following the impact of Storm Austen. No services will operate between Balham and Crystal Palace, Norwood Junction, or Sydenham throughout the day. Additionally, trains running between London Victoria and London Bridge will be suspended, according to the latest travel advice for passengers.
Storm Austen brings travel chaos to Southern routes
Storm Austen brought strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the UK, leading to the cancellation of multiple Southern services. The unsettled weather is forecast to continue over the weekend, prompting rail operators to urge passengers to plan their journeys in advance. Croydon commuters are advised to check alternative transport options before setting off.
The disruption affects key routes serving Croydon, including connections to central London. Passengers travelling between Balham and Crystal Palace, Norwood Junction, or Sydenham will need to find alternative means of transport. Services between London Victoria and London Bridge will also not run, impacting those commuting to and from the capital.
Alternative travel options for affected passengers
To mitigate the impact, Southern has arranged for passengers to use London bus routes 201, 249, 255, 315, 322, 417, and 432 at no extra cost between Balham and Crystal Palace. This arrangement provides a practical alternative for those affected by the train cancellations. Additionally, London bus route 157 will accept tickets between Crystal Palace and Anerley or West Croydon via Norwood Junction, although this applies to paper tickets only.
For those travelling to central London, the London Underground Jubilee line will accept Southern tickets between Canada Water and London Bridge at no extra cost. London Overground services between West Croydon and Canada Water will also accept Southern tickets, offering further flexibility for passengers. These measures aim to keep Croydon residents moving despite the severe weather conditions.
Additional service changes and replacement buses
In addition to the main cancellations, the 12.40am service from London Victoria to Norwood Junction will terminate at Balham. A replacement bus will run between Balham and Norwood Junction to cover this route, ensuring passengers can still complete their journeys. This adjustment is part of Southern's response to the storm's aftermath.
Passengers are encouraged to stay updated on service changes and allow extra time for their travels. The disruption is expected to continue throughout Sunday, with further unsettled weather forecast over the weekend. Southern advises all travellers to check live departure information before heading to stations.
