Some commuter train journeys into London take more time now than they did in 1930, according to new research from the London School of Economics.

The study compared timetables from before the Second World War with the 20 busiest journeys in Britain today, and found that some trains run slower now and that rail passengers have a longer waiting time. The commute from Wimbledon to London, for example, takes three minutes longer today, and from Surbiton two minutes longer.

The demise of slam doors was cited as a key factor in slowing things down, as automatic doors take longer to open and shut.

Dr Tim Leunig of LSE said, “People care about every minute. You could be waiting up to 29 hours a year, which would work out as four bank holidays being taken away.”

However, in defence of the rail services, a spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies said they were in fact much better nowadays: “While there might have been some journeys which were on paper faster  before the war, they were not as dependable nor was there the choice of service that there is today.”

Separate figures released in August 2008 showed that despite faster trains and track improvements, rail journeys take around five minutes more than they did 20 years ago, especially in London and the South East. News of longer journeys emerged at a time when commuters were bracing themselves for big fare increases. However, while journeys were taking slightly longer, more trains were being run and punctuality was running at record levels.

All of which suggests that rail passengers can have either speedier journeys or more reliable services – but not both! 

For press enquiries, please contact Peter Cooper on 020 7183 7247
Email: info@247parking.com
Web: www.247parking.com

News provided by 24 7 Parking Ltd, a leading marketing services provider to the car parking industry in the UK, and a leading de facto marketplace for buyers and sellers, or lessees and lessors, of car parking spaces.

24 7 Parking carries out daily surveys of the national media to provide up-to-date news and commentary on UK transport.