It’s appalling...

Accountant Tony Fitzpatrick has spent 10 years travelling to London from his home in Bearsted and has become accustomed to regular delays and cancellations.

Earlier this year, he and fellow passengers on the 7.37am train were delayed every single day over a fortnight – and nine out of 10 return journeys were too.

He pays £4,244 for a season ticket to Victoria.

“My general view of Southeastern? It is appalling. A lot of people just shrug their shoulders and say we can’t do anything. But there are delays almost every single day and it is not just our service.

“Does it cause me stress? Without a doubt. I have missed my son’s football sessions but for other people, it is missing important medical appointments.”

He says this year’s hike in prices does not cancel out increases in previous years.

“Even if it was zero per cent increase, it would not compensate for previous rises where we’ve had eight and nine per cent increases.”

It is not just about the price of the season ticket as much as the lack of reliability.

“I earn quite well and if I got a good service I wouldn’t mind paying but if you are just starting out [in your career], I don’t know how you can afford it.”

He says he feels like a captive with no other alternatives.

“I have looked at driving but then you have costs like parking, and coaches get delayed in traffic so it [the train] is the least worst option.”