SW Trains snub call for more weekend carriages

Last month we ran an article calling for more weekend carriages for trains serving Surbiton and Berrylands Stations.   It seems ridiculous for passengers to be standing on trains during the weekend because they cut the number of carriages from 12 (peak time weekdays) to only 4 at the weekend.  You can read our original article here.

 

We have received a response from South West Trains and we have printed the disappointing reply below.  The reply simply states that they are at capacity so cannot increase the number of carriages.  It looks very much like a standard response.

 

We copied our email to Ed Davey MP and our GLA representative, Tony Arbour.  We have not received a response from Ed Davey, but did receive a response from Tony Arbour who has said he will take up the issue on our behalf.

 

We will, of course, not let it rest there.  We will be writing again today asking for them to at least address our specific concern rather than sending out a standard response.  I don't think it is unreasonable to ask why we lose so many carriages at the weekend.   Where do our carriages go? 

 

We will of course keep you up to date with any responses or progress.  Here's hoping!

 

Dear Mr People

 

Thank you for your email of 18 August 2011.

 

I note your comments regarding the lack of seats on Surbiton trains at the weekend, and that you would like to request for extra carriages.

 

We do try to ensure that everyone travels in comfort and that the lack of seats is a major concern for customers who are affected by this. However; as you may appreciate, there is no spare capacity and the network is fully stretched.  The timetable is, therefore, designed to offer the best possible service for as many of our 142 million customers as possible.

 

I have made your views known to the manager responsible for developing the timetable who will consider any minor modifications that may help to improve the situation.  However; as much as we would like to it is simply not possible for us to consider all the requests that we receive for changes to our service.

 

I am sorry I cannot be more positive but we will continue to do all we can to provide the best possible service at all times and your views are most welcome.

 

Kind Regards

Claire Haigh, Customer Relations Officer, SW Trains

 

 

 

 

Photo: satguru