Tens of thousands of commuters are facing a frustrating trip home in the wet, after signal failures struck down most of Sydney’s train system.


The Transport Management Centre attributed the failures to lightning strikes. The strikes meant that services were delayed or suspended on all Sydney train lines apart from the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line.


At 6.55pm commuters were still facing major delays, with trains banked up through western Sydney. However a spokesman for Sydney Trains said services should be gradually coming on line.


The lightning strikes had affected signals between Strathfield and Lidcombe. Because of the way Sydney’s train line works, delays and signal failures on one line often results in delays on others.


The Transport Management Centre is advising commuters to delay their trips home. Train tickets can be used on buses.


Commuters expressed their frustration on Twitter, calling on Sydney Trains to organise buses for stranded customers.