The Big Squeeze: Rail overcrowding in London

The Big Squeeze PDF
The Big Squeeze RTF

Our report says short-term cuts to rail services as the recession bites must not be allowed to jeopardise long-term efforts to reduce overcrowding on trains. It acknowledges that the recent rise in passenger numbers is slowing down, prompting train operating companies to reduce services, but says the slowdown will be temporary and substantial growth is still expected in the long-term. If mishandled, reductions in services or failure to secure investment for new rail infrastructure now could mean that overcrowding on trains could be worse than ever when passenger numbers start to rise again.

The report maps the top 20 busiest routes into London and identifies the worst ‘pinch point’ stations on these routes, where commuters are often unable to board trains that are already overcrowded before they reach the outskirts of the capital.

It recognises that there is no single answer to overcrowding and calls on the Mayor to set out his proposed mix of solutions when he publishes his transport strategy later this year.

The evidence received by the Committee during the investigation is available to view:

February 2009
Response to 'The Big Squeeze' PDF
Response to 'The Big Squeeze' RTF

The letters below were received in response to this report:

Letter from the Mayor PDF
Letter from the Mayor RTF

Letter from the Chair of the Transport Select Committee PDF
Letter from the Chair of the Transport Select Committee RTF