Billions more should be invested in train services for London as almost two thirds of rail journeys in the country are in the South-East, a senior Tory MP said today.
Former Cabinet minister John Redwood is opposing the proposed HS2 rail line and instead calling for more funding for commuter services.
He said: “As new investment... needs to concentrate on areas where capacity is stretched and demand growth is strongest, it is not surprising that London and the South-East account for a big part of the investment, as they account for almost two thirds of total rail journeys.”
Department for Transport figures showed that between 6am and 7am, eight out of 10 seats on trains leaving Euston were empty, he said, adding: “A shortage of seats to get to the northern cities to do a day’s work and boost the northern economy is not a problem.
“There is a need for more capacity into London ... from most commuter towns.”
A separate report has shown commuters on two train franchises serving London — South West Trains and the East Coast mainline — are paying millions in fares subsidising other users.
Figures published by the Office of Rail Regulation showed the Government received at least £5 million from the South West Trains franchise in 2012/13. The publicly-owned East Coast franchise returned up to £16 million to the Government.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “Subsidy and premium differ across the UK ... with busier services requiring less government support.”
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