DfT confirms it will not implement overcrowding limits on busy services

[whole diary]

[grahame]

From Rail Technology Magazine

DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) confirms it will not implement overcrowding limits on busy services

Rail minister Paul Maynard has confirmed that the government will not be introducing a maximum passenger limit for overcrowded trains.

Answering a written question from MP^▸ (Member of Parliament, or Mile Post (a method of measuring the railway in miles and chains from a starting point - usually London), depending on context) Sharon Hodgson, Maynard said passengers prized the flexibility of the walk-on system of travel and the DfT had no intention of changing.

Hodgson asked the minister what assessment had been made of the potential merits of maximum occupancy limits on services.
Maynard replied: “One of the most popular features of the UK^▸ (United Kingdom) railways is that it’s a walk-on, or turn up and go service. This flexibility is much prized by passengers.

[article continues]

[Electric train]

Its nothing to do with "the passengers prized the flexibility of the walk-on system" more to do with DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) not able to fund the capacity enhancements needed

[CyclingSid]

Dredging an ageing memory, didn't the report after the Clapham crash say that overcrowding should be controlled?

[TaplowGreen]

Its nothing to do with "the passengers prized the flexibility of the walk-on system" more to do with DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) not able to fund the capacity enhancements needed

I wonder if passengers were asked whether they "prized the flexibility of the walk-on system" over the ability to travel in a safe environment where they were able to breathe and inhabit more than a postage stamp sized area of space rather than being crammed into unreliable cattle trucks, which they would prioritise?

In one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, with handsomely remunerated Industry Leaders, huge resources and workforces and sky high fares, surely it shouldn't be too much to ask to have both flexibility and safety and perhaps even a modicum of comfort?

[Tim]

I certainly value the flexibility of a walk up system. 

I'd favour some overcrowding limits, but it depends what they are.

A limit which denies passengers the right to board when a service is overcrowded would not be welcome (bearing in mind that folk who don't want to board can always take the next service)

A limit which triggers some investment when regularly breached or financially incentivises the ToC to solve the problem might be a good idea.