A serious signalling fault in the Barking area caused widespread disruption across the c2c network during the evening peak on 22 May 2025. The issue, reported at approximately 16:55, rendered the route between Fenchurch Street and Upminster inoperable and led to network-wide delays that extended until the end of service.
The fault resulted in a significant displacement of both traincrew and rolling stock, severely limiting c2c’s ability to restore a normal service once signalling was reinstated. The timing of the failure—during the evening peak—compounded the impact, affecting a large number of commuters.
In response, c2c quickly arranged ticket acceptance with Greater Anglia, Transport for London, and Docklands Light Railway services to assist passengers in continuing their journeys. However, other operators also experienced disruption due to the wider impact of the signalling fault.
Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, issued a public apology, stating:
“I am very sorry those customers who experienced a difficult journey yesterday evening.
We know this will have caused extensive delays to many journeys, especially as it happened in the evening peak. Our team worked closely with our Network Rail colleagues to get services up and running as quickly as possible.”
Delay Compensation Details
Passengers affected by the disruption are eligible for delay compensation under c2c’s Delay Repay scheme. The process varies depending on the type of ticket used:
- c2c Smartcard holders: Automatic compensation is issued for registered journeys. Manual claims may be required if a journey tap-in or tap-out was missed.
- Paper tickets, Oyster, and contactless card users: A manual claim form must be completed online.
- Contactless customers: Journey and payment history must be accessed via the Transport for London website and submitted with the claim.
Further information and the claim form can be accessed via the official c2c Delay Repay page.
