You couldn't make it up

Extract from the BBC London website today with London Underground news:

Northern line
The Northern Line has delays occurring in both directions.
This will affect journeys from 07:13 on 14/02/05 until further notice.
This is due to a lack of available trains.

Message Received: 14/2/2005 7:13:02 AM

Hammersmith & City line
The Hammersmith & City Line has delays occurring in both directions.
This will affect journeys from 11:26 on 14/02/05 until further notice.
This is due to non-availability of staff.

Message Received: 14/2/2005 11:26:39 AM

So one line is out because it has staff but no trains and the other because it has trains but no staff. Brilliant. I can imagine all the Northern line drivers hanging around in the despatcher's office, drinking tea and dunking custard creams while they check out the racing pages in the papers.
"Bad business on the 'ammersmith, Jim. No staff to drive the trains."
"Shocking Alf, simply shocking. And 'ere we are with no trains. Pass us another biscuit"
"So what shall we do this afternoon Jim? Fancy going down Hammersmith Palais? Oh no, we can't, there aren't any trains running due to shortage of staff. Never mind, we can stay here and watch tele"