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Overcrowding figures published by the Rail Franchising Director demonstrate that the regulation system is working, the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) said today.
The latest statistics show that eight out of the 10 train operators carrying commuters into London have succeeded in meeting agreed capacity targets. And three of the operators have successfully implemented action plans to reduce overcrowding on their trains.
ATOC shares the Franchising Director's view that this is a satisfactory overall performance by the industry.
'The rail system is wrestling with the problems of its own success,' commented Giles Fearnley, Chairman of ATOC. 'We are having to cope with unprecedented growth of 25 per cent over the last four years'.
'Many more people are travelling to work by train than a few years ago and we have introduced 1000 extra services a day to cope with increasing demand.'
'But we still need more trains and major improvements to track and signalling if we are to give the growing number of rail travellers the quality of service they are entitled to expect.'
'We are as unhappy as our customers when overcrowding occurs, and we are doing everything we can to increase capacity.'
'The 2300 new railway carriages currently on order will help increase the number of trains available and make commuting a more pleasant experience in the shorter term. And Railtrack's £27 billion investment plans, which include schemes such as the £150 million upgrading of the London-Brighton line, will bring extra capacity in the long term.'
-ENDS-
For more information: David Campbell Bannerman, Communications Director 0171 904 3010 or pager (01523) 523 523 pager no. 849718
