HC Deb 26 June 2003 vol 407 cc930-1W
Dr. Murrison

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the levels of overcrowding on trains have been in each year since 1992. [121342]

Mr. McNulty

Overcrowding is primarily a problem in London in the peak periods. Overall overcrowding levels fell from 1992 to 1996, rose in 1997, fell in 1998, rose in 1999 and 2000, were unchanged in 2001 and fell in 2002.

Nearly half a million people now travel by train into London each morning. This is the highest figure since the late 1980s. Despite this growth in use at peak times the number of operators that have overcrowding levels exceeding the Strategic Rail Authority's threshold has fallen to three. A graph showing London commuter numbers and crowding has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

An updated version of the chart showing passenger numbers and crowding figures from 1990 onwards has also been placed in the Libraries of the House.