Double-deckers plan to combat the crush

The Government is to investigate the use of double-decker trains on London's busy commuter routes in a desperate effort to ease overcrowding.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling today told a London rail conference how impressed he was with double-decker commuter trains used in the Netherlands.

"They were modern, clean and reliable and arrived on time," he said. "We need to see whether they could work here to increase capacity in the medium-to-long term, as well as looking at other options."

South West Trains, which operates some of the busiest lines, has investigated using double-decker trains and is said to be keen on the idea. Ministers are expected to discuss the idea with Stagecoach, which runs SWT. Other suggestions to ease overcrowding on the mainline rail services include:

  • Run trains up to 12 cars long, instead of eight or four. This requires longer platforms but there is little room to expand in London.
  • Running more trains on existing tracks, requiring new and improved signalling.
  • Construct train flyovers and tunnels at busy junctions.
  • New lines - the Government is looking at a new high-speed north-south route but this could cost more than ?30 billion.
  • Improve maintenance of trains and infrastructure to prevent breakdowns.

Last year there was a record 976 million passenger journeys on the Tube, six million higher than the previous highest figure of 970 million set four years ago.

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