COMMUTERS endured rail misery yesterday after an engineering train broke down on the main line.

The train had been carrying out bank holiday repair work – which was due to be completed in time for the Tuesday morning rush hour.

However the breakdown, near Gatwick, caused chaos with one of the southbound lines closed for much of the day.

Network Rail said engineers were unable to get to the train in the morning.

It was just after 3pm when the train was moved and lines reopened.

However, there were problems until 8pm last night with thousands delayed getting home from work.

Network Rail, which looks after the railway’s tracks, signalling and power systems, said yesterday in a statement: “We know that this was frustrating for passengers returning to work after the bank holiday and we are very sorry for the delays they may have experienced while we worked to restore a normal service on the route.”

As a result of the break down Gatwick Express trains were suspended in both directions. Thameslink trains between Bedford and Three Bridges were terminated at London Blackfriars.

Thameslink Brighton to London Bridge services were reduced to one an hour while the trains running from London Bridge to Brighton only ran from Gatwick with also just one an hour.

Services from Reading and Bedford to Gatwick were also disrupted.

Passengers took to Twitter to vent their frustration at the latest issue to plague the Brighton to London main line.

Mary Walker, from Brighton, said: “What a lovely way to return to work after the weekend... I wouldn’t expect anything else to be honest from this lot.”

Another commuter posted: “Overrunning engineering, trains no longer going to Gatwick Airport, delays, broken carriage displays and no air con. Got to love @TLRailUK.”

Southern Rail parody account joked: “Passengers are reminded that we hate you and as such will be making journeys to Gatwick much more difficult than they need to be.”