Overcrowding on train services hits worst ever levels

Overcrowding on train services hits worst ever levels and is set to get even worse

Labour is releasing new analysis of overcrowded rail services, which reveals that:

–          Overcrowding on our railways is at one of the highest levels since records began.

–          The top 10 most overcrowded peak train routes are on average 187 per cent in excess of capacity; an increase of over 25 per cent since 2011.

–          The most overcrowded route in 2016 was the 07:16 Southern service from East Grinstead to London Bridge. The service had nearly double (191 per cent) the number of passengers on the train as the service is designed to be able to carry.

–          The most overcrowded route last year was the 04.22 from Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport which was 211 per cent in excess of capacity.

–          The top 10 most overcrowded peak train routes will be an average over 207 per cent in excess of capacity by the end of the parliament.

–          2018 saw the cancelled or significantly late services at their highest level in 17 years.

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, said:

“Under the Tories fares have risen three times faster than average wages and severe disruption has blighted the network meaning services are often delayed or cancelled.

“It’s outrageous that passengers will be hit with yet another above inflation fares rise following such a miserable year on the railway. Making passengers pay more to travel on increasingly overcrowded trains is simply not sustainable.

“The Government’s blind obsession with privatisation is putting the future of the railway at risk. Labour will do what’s best for passengers and taxpayers by taking the railway back into public ownership in order to improve services and cap fares.”