Arriving punctually each morning, it seems, a new item to add to the list of pathetic excuses for public transport delays.

Leaves on the line, snow on the line, then the wrong sort of snow, or leaves, or wind, or cattle... And this morning is no exception.

Connex trains are running 15 minutes late today because the sun is getting in the drivers' eyes, and they can't see the signals properly. This is the actual reason.

Firefighters going out on strike appears to be among the least of London Underground's worries today - there's so much else to go wrong.

The strike means that, as always when the fire service is reduced, 22 deep-level stations have had to be closed because they are serviced only by lifts.

Also, the investigation into Saturday's tube crash at Chancery Lane is ongoing, so the Waterloo and City Line is closed in both directions, and there are buses instead of trains on the Central Line. (Precise details of alternative arrangements can be found below.)

A train broke down at Liverpool Street Station this morning, so the Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan Lines are all delayed accordingly.

The East London Line and the Victoria Line are also reporting delays.

Check www.tfl.gov.uk for a list of things which are working.

The Central Line has no service in both directions. (from www.tfl.gov.uk)

This will affect journeys from 10:35 on 28/01/03.

This is due to last Saturday's derailment at Chancery Lane Station.

Rail replacement bus services are operating as follows:

- All day between Epping and Stratford both ways and calling at all stations.

- All day between Hainault and Leytonstone via Newbury Park, both ways and calling at all stations.

- Between 0700 and 0900 FROM Woodford TO Stratford westbound only and calling at all stations.

- Between 0625 and 0845 FROM Epping TO Chingford westbound only and non-stop.

- All day between Northolt and Park Royal non-stop.

- Between 1600 and 1900 FROM Stratford TO Woodford eastbound only and calling at all stations.

- Between 1600 and 1900 FROM Chingford TO Epping eastbound only and non stop.

January 28, 2003 12:00