Since the 1960s, service has been suspended on Christmas Day and the day after Christmas, known in Britain as Boxing Day. The break gave rail companies two days for essential maintenance at a time when there tended to be few riders.

This year, however, delays in completing work on three lines led to a late resumption of service, The Daily Mail reported. Many people traveling immediately after Christmas were forced to take buses instead.

Iain Coucher, Network Rail's chief executive, said the country needs 365-day service.

Network Rail plans to reorganize maintenance so it can be done by closing lines for no more than eight hours at a time.