MP voices concerns on Chase Line train overcrowding in letter to operator

The line, from Rugeley to Birmingham, has been dogged with serious overcrowding issues for months.

Mr Winnick, MP for Walsall North, has written to Patrick Verwer, managing director for London Midland for the second time with his concerns.

He said: "Constituents continue to complain about the poor service.

"I had written previously about this; the reply I received stated that due to a national shortage of diesel trains it was not possible to get more capacity until the introduction of electric services in 2018. According to that explanation, it will then be possible to carry 50 per cent more passengers than currently.

"Nevertheless, dissatisfaction continues, including the fact that the trains are often late, which of course means that employees find it both difficult to get to work on time and take longer in the evening to get home.

"In my latest letter, I have urged that all this should be looked into again at the most senior level of the company."

The firm has previously said it will be unable to increase capacity on any of its routes until the introduction of electric services in 2018.

The Chase Line stops at Hednesford, Cannock, Bloxwich, Walsall and Bescot Stadium.

Mr Winnick added: "I sometimes wonder sometimes if the managing director and other senior colleagues have any experience of actually using the line, particularly at peak times."

London Midland spokesman, Francis Thomas, said: "Mr Winnick is quite correct about the improvements being made for Chase Line users.

"£100 million is currently being invested in the route.

"Electric trains can only be introduced once these physical works are completed.

"We continue to look for more diesel capacity across the country but the reality is no more diesel trains are available."