Broken freight train causes commuter chaos

As late as 11.30am, First Great Western was announcing: "There are still delays of up to two hours for all services that go through Reading - please find alternative transport where possible."
The train broke down to the west of Reading railway station and a spokesman for Network Rail, Russel Spink, said: “Unfortunately its location means both main line and Newbury lines are affected.”
The incident happened just after 6.30am and commuters were still tweeting their frustration at 9am as they remained stranded.
A locomotive train was sent behind the broken down freight, said Mr Spink, “to give extra power.”
At 8.40am Network Rail reported both trains would be moving “soon.”
Soon afterwards, ‘PittTheBlogger’ tweeted: “We’re moving!! And the 7.08 from Newbury to Paddington leaves...at 9.05”
The timing of the incident is unfortunate - commuters who travel from West Berkshire to London faced another blow this week after it was revealed that the cost of a season ticket is to rise again by 3.5 per cent in January.
This will take the average cost from Newbury to £4,595 from £4,440 at current, from Thatcham to £4,231, from £4,088 and from Hungerford to £4,815 from £4,652.
Train fare increases are based on the rate of inflation, plus one per cent, based on July’s Retail Price Index (RPI).
See tomorrow's Newbury Weekly News for more on the fare hike.