Rail firm criticised for 'shortening' its trains
A rail operator which serves Northampton has admitted there is "work to be done" after it was named the second worst company for providing overcrowded trains.
According to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act, London Midland provides an average of 148 trains per week which are shorter than they should be.
This is equivalent to just 1.76 per cent of its services but the "short-form" trains can often lead to cramped conditions for commuters at peak times.
Shaun Hope, treasurer of Northampton Rail Users Group, said: "I believe there has been problems in the past with people having to stand at peak times.
"Obviously on a long journey with a train travelling at high speeds there is a danger. If there was an incident and the train had to brake suddenly, people could be slung around the carriages against each other. It is certainly a situation that needs to be avoided if possible."
A London Midland spokesman said improvements were being introduced to cope with demand at peak-times including extra services along the west coast south in the December 2009 timetable.
The spokesman said: "We appreciate there is work to be done, but the situation is improving. London Midland was the most improved operator for customer satisfaction in the latest National Passenger Survey results published last month.
"Passengers noted an improvement of 11 per cent for availability of room to sit and stand and the comfort of the seating area rated a nine per cent increase.
"During 2009 we completed the purchase of 37 new Siemens Desiro trains worth 190 million, which are maintained in Northampton, and there is further investment planned across our network.
"We acknowledge there is work to be done as there is great demand particularly during peak times, but we are listening to our passengers and the situation is improving."
The figures released to the Daily Telegraph show that the worst rail operator for overcrowding is Northern, which runs 722 shortened trains a week.
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