What the passengers think

In the first week of July, the BBC carried out an online survey of passengers on Southern, asking them how they rate the current service (writes Paul Clifton).

The overwhelming majority described it as “appalling”. Only seven people in a survey of more than 1,200 said the service was satisfactory or better, although participants in the survey were self-selecting and not necessarily a reflection of passengers as a whole.

The passengers were asked who is to blame for the current troubles. Nearly two-thirds blamed Southern Railway, and 8% blamed the RMT. One in five respondents said they had received warnings at work for being late. Comments included: Becky in East Grinstead: “Late to work, late home, loss of will to live.”

Chris in Horsham: “I miss putting my kids to bed in the evenings. I’m late for meetings. I can never plan anything for a midweek evening.”

Anonymous: “We missed being at a relative’s side when he died.”

Amanda in Lancing: “Missed vital hospital appointment.”

Jeff in Reigate: “My job is under threat. Hardly ever see my three young children during the week.”

Nathan in Brighton: “My daughter has begged me not to take the train.”

Ameer in London: “1 hour detention because of lateness at school.”