The media have been reporting endless problems with train cancellations and delays, and overcrowded trains is no exception.
The end of August marks the end of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and suffice to say, there are never enough trains laid on to get everyone home. Shocking pictures emerged from one delayed and overcrowded train that was dangerously overcrowded with passengers crammed in toilets and passageways.
You might think that was a one-off, but this is a regular occurrence complete with countless cancellations and delays which makes it virtually impossible to deal with long term. Employers can only cut so much slack and people can only put up with so much. The most overcrowded train was found to have 403 passengers on 4 carriages that have 191 seats.
CONSUMER RIGHTS ACT 2015
Whilst commuters are becoming increasingly savvy on claims for delays and cancellations, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that goods and services purchased under contract have to be of;
- Satisfactory quality
- Fit for purpose
- As described
When you buy a train ticket, you are entering into a contract with the supplier with a reasonable expectation of being able to have a seat to travel on and not be faced with having to stand in dangerously overcrowded carriages. A ticket should buy the right to travel on a train that provides travel of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described.
It’s hardly an unreasonable expectation when you’re paying thousands of pounds for a season ticket. Consumers have rights as well as reasonable expectations.
There are health and safety implications as well. Airlines can’t cram passengers on to planes and drivers can’t cram passengers in to cars like this, so why are train companies exempt?
I think it’s only a matter of time before someone takes the train companies on in the Courts for breach of contract because partial refunds for delays and cancellations can only go so far.
What are your thoughts on overcrowded trains?
CrossCountry rail service from Birmingham new street to Plymouth on the 3 rd July 2026. Severe overcrowding hot carriages. My seat reservation taken by another passenger so was expected to stand for 3and a half hours as a senior railcard holder with medical problems. I had to sit on the floor with many other passengers in the aisles the carriage dividers in a heat that was unbearable. No way to get to the toilet or any other services or to be able to call emergency contact. The train manager couldn’t check not check tickets due to overcrowding as he was j able to get through the crowds. Contacted crosscountry customer services on my return who were distinctly unhelpful and just quoted the normal HSE stuff .