A Department for
Transport study has revealed some of the most congested trains in
England are running at almost double capacity.
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The government has called on train operators to do more to address overcrowding on rush-hour services.
In Autumn 2011, First Great Western's 07:44 Henley-on-Thames
to London Paddington service had a 180% load factor in standard class
carriages.Watchdog Passenger Focus has called for greater investment in rolling stock.
Most Overcrowded Trains
1) 07:44 First Great Western Henley-on-Thames to London Paddington - load factor 180%
2) 07:32 South West Trains Woking to London Waterloo - load factor 164%
3) 18:13 London Midland London Euston to Birmingham New Street - load factor 162%
4) 16:48 London Midland London Euston to Birmingham New Street - load factor 160%
5) 06:30 First Great Western Banbury to London Paddington - load factor 158%
6) 07:55 London Midland Stourbridge Junction to Stratford-upon-Avon - load factor 157%
7) 06:23 First TransPennine Express Manchester Airport to Middlesbrough - load factor 155%
8) 18:17 National Express East Anglia London Liverpool Street to Shenfield - load factor 154%
9) 07:14 South West Trains Alton to London Waterloo - load factor 152%
10) 17:46 London Midland London Euston to Birmingham New Street - load factor 152%
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In the majority of the top 10 overcrowded trains, capacity is determined by the number of standard class seats only.
A standing allowance was factored in for the National Express East Anglia London Liverpool Street to Shenfield 18:17 train and London Midland's 07:55 Stourbridge Junction to Stratford-upon-Avon service.
London Midland, which features in the top 10 list four times, has placed an order for 10 new four-car trains which will allow for additional services to operate on the route from 2014.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: "The operators on the list are aware of the problems on these services.
"I will be monitoring them closely, and others which have not made the top 10 list, urging train companies to reduce crowding on the busiest services."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20783986
