New data compiled by Trinity Mirror shows that Portsmouth’s rail links to the capital are the slowest in the country.
The report shows that services running from Portsmouth to London travel at an average speed of 35.2 miles per hour, making them the slowest trains to the capital in the nation. Trains back to the South Coast are even slower, clocking in at a less-than-rapid 34.6 mph.
The other slowest train services from Portsmouth include those to Bristol and Cardiff. Trips to neighbouring Southampton crawl along at 16.2 miles per hour, the slowest speed for a major rail connection in the UK.
The news on train speeds comes as Labour analysis of official statistics shows that overcrowding on railways is also at record levels.
At the current rate, the top ten most overcrowded train routes will be, on average, over 220% in excess of capacity by the end of this Parliament.
Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, said:
“We need a better deal for our rail in the South. These figures further demonstrate the desperate need for Government action.
People in Portsmouth deserve better than to be overcharged for intolerably slow journeys on which they may not even get a seat.
The government have, for too long, prioritised profit over passengers and commuters clearly need a Labour government to stand up for them”.
Under the Conservatives, rail fares have risen by 27% – three times faster than wage growth – leaving Brits paying some of the highest fares in Europe. The cost of some season tickets has risen by over 40% since 2010, leaving some passenger paying thousands of pounds more each year.
Stephen added:
“It is clear that rail passengers are paying more for less under the Tories.
This government has consistently failed to protect the interests of the millions of people who depend on the railways, leaving local economies damaged and commuters frustrated.
Labour will take back control from failing train operators and finally put passengers first.”
