Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to the publication of train overcrowding figures by the Department for Transport, said:

“As well as commuters being hit with rising rail fares, overcrowding on our busiest trains has increased yet again in cities across the country. 

“Overcrowding in London and the South East is now at its worst point since records began 25 years ago.  On a typical day last year during the morning peak period, 60 per cent of passengers were forced to stand on trains arriving to London. 

“This is a far cry from the “comfortable commuting” Ministers said passengers are experiencing under their watch. 

“It is clear that the Government’s devotion to the status quo on our railways is just leaving hard-pressed passengers having to endure these ever worsening services.  What we need is a complete overhaul, including ending the current flawed franchising system and ensuring that there is a real passenger voice within a more publicly controlled railways.”