When train operator Southeastern was asked the reason for delays at Lewisham in southeast London, the company blamed "strong sunlight".
Its reply to a passenger on Twitter read: "We had severe congestion through Lewisham due to dispatching issues as a result of strong sunlight."
The company added: "The low winter sun has been hitting the dispatch monitor which prevents the driver from being able to see."
Travellers were unimpressed.
Paul Malyon described it as "the weakest excuse ever", while Brian Barnett wrote: "Leaves on the line. Wrong snow. Now sunshine! Let's think of next excuse?"
Another passenger, Julie Clarke, asked the Southeastern: "How do they go on in hot countries where they have sunshine all the time?"
A Southeastern spokesman said: "We know that sometimes it seems that if it is not leaves on the line or snow on the track then it is some other weather issue.
"But actually glare this morning made it impossible for some drivers to see the full length of their train in their mirrors before leaving stations.
"When this happens they have to get out and check to ensure everybody has got on or off their train safely before they can move.
"This can take a little more time but thankfully for all it doesn't happen very often."
The company has endured a difficult morning as other services in the same part of the capital were disrupted by a "landslip" at Barnehurst.
Services between Lewisham and Dartford via Bexleyheath were cancelled for the rest of the day.
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