Commuters fed up with Rail Travel in Streatham

Commuters fed up with Rail Travel in Streatham - Nicholson

February 5, 2008 11:22 AM

A large-scale survey of rail users in Streatham conducted by local Lib Dem campaigner Chris Nicholson has found widespread dissatisfaction with overcrowded carriages and recent fare rises.

The survey was carried out during the first week of January. Participants were drawn from four stations: Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Streatham and Tulse Hill.

The survey found that a whopping 80% (1) of respondents thought that their rail service was overcrowded, and that only 38% (2) were satisfied with the time-keeping of their regular train. Overall, each person had on average experienced 7 days

during December where their train had been delayed.

Chris Nicholson boards a train at Tulse Hill Station

Trains from Streatham are often overcrowded say local people

Commuters also made it clear that they expected more from the local network given the New Year rise in unregulated fare prices. When asked whether they felt this increase represented value for money, 88% (3) said that it did not.

The survey, organised by Chris Nicholson along with Brian Paddick, the

Lib Dem choice for London Mayor, also highlighted concerns with the government's performance in trying to improve rail services. 8 out of 10 of those who responded thought that the government was performing either badly or very badly in its attempts to improve services. (4)

Speaking about the findings, Chris Nicholson said:

"It's clear that Streatham passengers are getting a raw deal when it comes to the standard of their local rail network."

"Overcrowded carriages are sadly the norm for many regular commuters, so I understand local people's frustration with the government's performance after being asked to pay even more for the privilege of standing all the way to central London."

"Liberal Democrats are committed to putting the needs of commuters first, having pledged an extra £12 billion to improve the capacity of the rail network while protecting the environment." (5)

Notes

(1) 193 people out of 241

(2) 90 people out of 235 who answered

(3) 199 people out of 226

(4) 175 people out of 214

(5) As part of the Liberal Democrats' "Future Transport Fund", more information available at: http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/policies/TOWARDS%20CARBON%20FREE%20TRANSPORT.pdf