London Midland ordered to cut packed train carriages
A train company has been told to cut overcrowding on services in and out of the West Midlands after being named among the worst for packed carriages in the country.
London Midland had four of the 10 most overcrowded trains, according to figures released today by the Department for Transport. But the company – which had come under fire for cancelling hundreds of services because of crew shortages after drivers left the firm – said it has already taken steps to improve the services since the research was carried out.
Three of the overcrowded services run between London Euston and Birmingham New Street while the other is from Stourbridge Junction to Stratford-upon-Avon.
They are carrying enough passengers to fill the seats and then have half as many people again standing in the aisles.
Transport minister Norman Baker said: "Climbing on a crowded train where there is little space can often be an unpleasant experience and I sympathise with passengers."
The 6.13pm London Midland service from from London Euston to Birmingham New Street was found to be running at 162 per cent.
The 4.48pm service was 160 per cent and the 5.46pm was 152 per cent.
The 7.55am Stourbridge Junction to Stratford-upon-Avon was running with a load of 157 per cent.
London Midland spokesman Daniel Scaife said: "Since this survey was completed over a year ago we have made various capacity improvements
"All of those Euston services highlighted have been increased to the maximum length of 12 carriages.
"There are now 310 additional seats across the three London to Birmingham services listed.
"A more recent survey suggests that the manually counted number given for the Stourbridge Junction to Stratford on Avon service is not representative.
"We have worked closely with the Government to deliver 10 new trains in 2014, at a cost of over £60m, which will offer more rolling stock where it is required the most."
