24.07.13
Need to ‘pull together’ on overcrowding – Baker
TOCs must do more to tackle overcrowding, the DfT has urged. The warning comes as the latest train crowding statistics are published, showing extreme congestion.
The top ten busiest services saw load factors from 149% to 184%, with most applying to London journeys. Other overcrowded services were between London and Birmingham, Alton and Oxford.
Transport minister Norman Baker said: “Climbing on to a very crowded train is an unpleasant experience and I sympathise with passengers using these services.
“I urge train operators to do what they can on these particular trains. The Department is working closely with the industry to ensure this issue is tackled.
“Strong transport links provide economic benefits. This is why Coalition Government is doing its part investing record amounts to transform the rail network – electrifying more than 800 miles of track, purchasing state-of-the-art rolling stock for the Great Western, Thameslink, Southern and East Coast routes and delivering a new high speed network through HS2 but we all need to pull together.”
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