Rail passengers told ‘stay away’ Operator urges travellers to not use trains during the pre-Christmas rush
PASSENGER groups have been left ‘bemused’ by a plea from rail bosses to not use trains because they are too overcrowded.
London Midland made the appeal ahead of the last two weekends before Christmas as it is faced with heavy demand.
The rail operator, which runs Birmingham’s key Cross City Line, is asking commuters to avoid catching trains between 6pm and 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
In addition, a new queuing system will be in place at Snow Hill station during those hours to stop platforms becoming overcrowded.
Brenda Lawrence, head of London Midland’s Snow Hill services, said: “The advice is to avoid catching the train between 6pm and 8pm on a Friday or Saturday, if you can, and allow more time for your journey. With the Christmas markets in full swing, trains are getting very busy.
“We want everyone to enjoy festivities and travel comfortably.” the
Passenger groups said the request was ‘bemusing’ considering many passengers had forked out money for monthly passes.
Lianna Etkind, of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Passengers will feel bemused to be asked to avoid using the train at a time when so many need to head into town for Christmas parties and nights out, or simply to head home after work especially when many will have shelled out a lot of money for a monthly or annual season ticket. It is unfair to expect people not to travel they’ve paid for.
“Overcrowding is a problem across Britain’s railways, but the solution is not to drive people off the train. Instead of moving congestion from the station onto the road, rail compa- use the train nies should be increasing capacity.”
London Midland has added extra services and carriages on some routes across December in a bid to ease busy periods.
The rail company’s West Midlands general manager Mark Goodall said: “We want everyone to have a good time visiting the shops and attractions this Christmas.
“We will be doing everything we can to help, including running extra carriages on the Snow Hill lines on the four weekends leading up to Christmas.
“Just remember, this is a busy time of year for everyone, so make sure you know your travel options and don’t rely on your last train home.”