MP attacks train seat cut scandal

4.40.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Dec 2006

Vincent Cable MP secured a debate in parliament to challenge the government's claim that the new South West trains rail franchise will increase seating capacity and reduce overcrowding.

He said: "there is a scandalous deception going on. Ministers continue to trot out the line that seating will increase by 20% in the next 10 years but the train company are making it clear that they are taking seats out to provide standing room only for most peak hour travellers."

Vincent Cable has asked several questions of Ministers about the new franchise and recently visited the South West trains bosses to discuss the issue. It has been made clear that far from increasing seating, South West trains are removing seats to allow more people to stand safely without blocking the door.

Vincent Cable said: "the company is totally straightforward. They plan to carry more passengers by deliberately increasing overcrowding. As a regular commuter myself I know that overcrowding is already bad. We have to envisage 20% more passengers in the next decade in the same carriages. This is a big let down after the promises that there would be more and longer trains."