13.12.17
DfT confirms it will not implement overcrowding limits on busy services
Rail minister Paul Maynard has confirmed that the government will not be introducing a maximum passenger limit for overcrowded trains.
Answering a written question from MP Sharon Hodgson, Maynard said passengers prized the flexibility of the walk-on system of travel and the DfT had no intention of changing.
Hodgson asked the minister what assessment had been made of the potential merits of maximum occupancy limits on services.
Maynard replied: “One of the most popular features of the UK railways is that it’s a walk-on, or turn up and go service. This flexibility is much prized by passengers.
“The department believes that setting occupancy limits would substantially disadvantage passengers as such a system would need to either restrict travel to those with prior reservations, or to refuse to allow passengers with valid tickets to travel on a service when its occupancy limit had been reached.”
He added that the government currently moderates the situation by requiring TOCs to carry out passenger counts as part of their franchise contracts “to demonstrate that adequate capacity is being provided.”
In August, Labour attacked the DfT over what it called the “national disgrace” of train overcrowding, prompting the initial questions about capacity limits.
Top image: Teilo Colley PA Wire
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