Tackling overcrowding on commuter trains will be an “urgent priority” for a Tory government as part of its focus on green issues, said David Cameron.
BBC NEWS | Politics | Tory vow to tackle crowded trains.
Good idea. They might want to start by reversing the silly process whereby train operators take off seven or eight car HSTs and replace them with five car Adelantes. Not only is the Adelante uncomfortable, noisy and cold, having to stand from Paddington to Bristol because the thing is overcrowded is no joke at three figure fares. The argument, of course, is that these trains can be doubled up – not that I’ve ever seen this happen – and that they cover the off-peak period, so the longer train is not necessary. Try catching mid afternoon service to south Wales and see how necessary it is… Having de-trained this service in order to await the next one rather than stand, I remain unconvinced by this argument. Besides, replacing the HST stock with an Adelante is a bit like replacing a twenty year old Mercedes with a brand new Ford Ka; not comparable in either quality or comfort.
Mr Cameron was warned in a leaked memo to avoid tax rises for better trains.
Indeed.
He said that as commuters were paying for the rail network, they should get a good service – and as soon as possible.
Indeed.
“We think it is an urgent priority for that money to be spent on tackling overcrowding.”
Longer trains might be a start. Oh, I said that already…