Walsall to Cannock Chase rail line overcrowding 'to run until 2018' says train operator
Overcrowding misery on the heavily criticised Chase Line could continue for the next two years, it has been revealed.
London Midland has said it will not increase the capacity on its line, which runs from Walsall to Cannock Chase, until 2018.
The line has been dogged with problems in recent months, with the biggest criticism levelled at London Midland being the overcrowding on the trains.
Cannock Chase MP Amanda Milling has previously warned that if something is not done to address the overcrowding then there will be a 'serious accident or injury'.
Read Amanda Milling's experience of the 6am commute on the Chase railway line
She added she was 'fearful for her safety' when travelling on an early morning service last month.
But the overcrowding could now be set to continue for another two years.
In a letter to Walsall North MP David Winnick, a spokesman for London Midland said: "We have added hundreds of extra seats at peak times on the Rugeley line since we took over the service in 2007.
"Unfortunately, there is a national shortage of diesel trains so we can't get any more capacity until the introduction of electric services in 2018.
"The new service will be capable of carrying 50 per cent more passengers than our current diesel fleet."
The letter, which was penned by London Midland's head of corporate affairs Francis Thomas, was in response to Mr Winnick writing to the company's chief executive raising residents' concerns over the line.
After receiving the reply he said: "I very much doubt whether the letter which I will be sending on to constituents who wrote to me will give them any satisfaction.
"All the indications seem to be that no improvement at all is likely for the reasons stated, namely the shortage of diesel trains, so there won't be any greater capacity until the introduction of electric services in 2018. Depending on when in that year, it could be another two years at least."
Ms Milling added: "London Midland have said they cannot increase capacity until the line is electrified, however many people have reported to me some peak time services intermittently made up of three and even four carriages on the line.
"So they do appear to have rolling stock available. The first reports came after they were under considerable pressure from me to act over this diabolical situation.
"London Midland have to address this issue of overcrowding, as it is as predictable as Christmas itself. "
Mr Thomas said Ms Milling's understanding of the extra carriages was a 'misunderstanding', adding: "I am sorry to the people who have experienced the problems that have come with the enormous growth this line has seen, but they will reap the benefits when the electrification is finished."
