Sign our petition for a fair deal on overcrowded trains

A petition to the Prime Minister calling for an end to "intolerable" overcrowding on commuter trains is going up on the Downing Street website.

Click here to sign the petition

The petition was drawn up by Brian Cooke, the chairman of passenger group London Travel-Watch, which is supporting the Evening Standard's A Seat For Every Commuter campaign. It is hoped the petition will increase the pressure on the Government to provide more funding for the train operating companies so that they can run longer trains and more frequent services.

Figures published yesterday showed how overcrowding is becoming the biggest bugbear for commuters.

Levels of satisfaction about train seat availability among passengers has fallen on eight of the 11 rail franchises used by London commuters.

The Standard campaign also has the backing of almost 100 MPs.

Dozens of Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs, as well as growing numbers of Labour politicians, have signed a Commons motion tabled by shadow transport secretary Chris Grayling.

MPs voiced the anger of thousandsof commuters during a parliamentary debate last week on First Great Western's poor service. They told how they have been flooded with letters of complaint from constituents.

The problems are being suffered by commuters from across London and the South-East. Esher and Walton Conservative MP Ian Taylor, who will be the ninetyfourth MP to sign the Commons motion, praised the Standard, saying: "Keep up the campaign."

He added: "Trains get very crowded at Surbiton.

"We need more trains and longer trains but that requires us to have more platforms at Waterloo and investment at Clapham Junction to allow this to happen."

The Early Day Motion expresses concern at comments by Department for Transport rail chief Dr Mike Mitchell, who said it was "not unacceptable" for commuters to have to expect to stand during peak hours. Calling for a review of the rail industry, the motion also stresses that, following fare increases, passengers are having to pay more to travel in increasingly uncomfortable conditions.

Mr Grayling said today: "The reality for today's commuters is paying through the nose to travel like sardines.

"I hope commuters will voice their anger at ministers, both directly by supporting campaigns like the Standard's - and in the ballot box."

Anyone who wants to sign the online petition should CLICK HERE and add their name to the list.