DEVELOPING STORY: The Metropolitan line has been part-suspended this morning after a trespasser was spotted on the tracks at Chalfont & Latimer. We are following live updates and will refresh this article as the situation develops.
Transport for London (TfL) says there is currently no service between Rickmansworth and Amersham or Chesham, while passengers using the rest of the line are facing severe delays.
The first alerts emerged at around 8.52am on Saturday morning (3 October), with confirmation of the part-suspension following within minutes. Response teams are working to deal with the incident so that trains can start moving again.
What the suspension means for commuters
The closure cuts off the line’s two north-western branches entirely. Stations including Amersham, Chesham, Chalfont & Latimer and Chorleywood currently have no Metropolitan line trains at all, leaving commuters in those towns with no direct Tube route into the capital this morning.
The knock-on effects are spreading across the network. Even for passengers boarding south of Rickmansworth, TfL is warning of severe delays, with longer waits and busier trains as services back up behind the closed section. The timing is particularly awkward for weekend travellers heading into London for shopping, events or onward connections — and for anyone with time-sensitive plans, the advice is to replan now rather than hope for a quick fix.
Alternative routes for affected passengers
There is an alternative for some of those affected. Chiltern Railways operates National Rail services between London Marylebone and Amersham, calling at stations including Harrow-on-the-Hill, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and Chalfont & Latimer. It is worth checking live National Rail departures to see whether tickets are being accepted on those trains during the disruption.
Metropolitan line trains are still running south from Rickmansworth towards central London, so passengers who can reach the station by car, taxi or bus can join the Tube there. Local bus services also link the affected towns, and station staff will be able to advise on the best option.
As always during major Tube disruption, check TfL’s live status information before setting off. This is the latest in a difficult run for the network: we have previously reported on morning rush-hour chaos when the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines were part-suspended, and on severe delays across three Tube lines caused by a fault at Gloucester Road.
Why one trespasser can stop the line
When someone is reported on the tracks, TfL’s control room has little choice but to halt services immediately. Power to the affected section is normally switched off and trains are held at stations while staff locate the individual and make certain the line is safe. It is standard safety procedure — but it means a single trespasser can paralyse an entire branch until the all-clear is given.
Services cannot resume until the section has been formally declared clear, which is why suspensions like this morning’s often last well beyond the initial incident. Passengers are asked not to attempt to leave trains between stations and to follow staff instructions at all times.
What to do if you are caught up in the disruption
If you are already travelling, speak to station staff or use the help points on platforms for advice. Do not try to walk along the tracks or force train doors open — it puts lives at risk and will only delay the restart of services further.
Those who can work from home may want to do so until the line recovers, and anyone travelling should keep an eye on live departure boards. Contactless and Oyster daily capping still apply if you end up taking a longer or mixed-mode journey. Weekend travellers should also be aware of planned engineering closures affecting the Central, Piccadilly and Elizabeth lines this weekend.
Latest updates
12.45pm: Delays have now cleared following the earlier trespasser incident — we are closing this live blog here.
12.22pm: Minor delays remain between Rickmansworth and Amersham/Chesham following the earlier trespasser incident.
11.31am: Severe delays are still affecting the Metropolitan line, with the part-suspension remaining in force.
10.15am: Local buses are accepting Metropolitan line tickets while the suspension lasts.
10.02am: Severe delays now on the Uxbridge branch of the Metropolitan line as well, according to the latest service update.
8.52am: Live coverage begins, with reports of a trespasser on the tracks at Chalfont & Latimer and disruption building on the Metropolitan line.
8.55am: TfL confirms there is no service between Rickmansworth and Amersham/Chesham, with severe delays on the rest of the line.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as new information is confirmed.
