From no450 :

Feel free to use these briefing notes in any communication you have with SWT or your MP:

Issue:

• From late 2004, following the demise of the Mk1 “slam door” stock and the transfer of Class 442 Wessex Electrics to the Southampton mainline, Portsmouth and Havant were served exclusively by Class 444 trains which proved immediately popular with passengers. 

• Since Oct 2006, 65% of these 135 daily Portsmouth – Waterloo mainline services have been replaced with suburban Class 450 trains. This has caused widespread passenger resentment due to cramped and uncomfortable conditions largely caused by the 2+3 seating arrangement.

• Both SWT and DfT have declined to conduct an independent survey to establish passenger views.

Class 450s:

• Class 450 trains are high density suburban trains not intended for long distance routes, as indicated on the route maps previously located above the exit doors. At 110 minutes, Waterloo – Portsmouth is a mainline route.

• Passengers are unable to work with papers, use laptops or relax, all of which are desirable commuter activities.

• Many passengers have complained of sciatica and other back related illnesses whilst using the seats for extended periods.

• 450s are poorly insulated, noisier and have harder suspension than 444s. Temperature is compromised by exit doors which open direct into compartments. (444s have vestibules).

• Train crews appear unhappy with the 450s and receive regular complaints from passengers.
 
• Many passengers have adjusted their daily routine to utilize the remaining 444 services (source: No 450 Campaign survey).

• Many passengers have changed jobs to avoid commuting to London by train, or moved to their cars (source: No 450 Campaign survey).

• Refreshment services in 450s are seriously curtailed due to narrow aisles.

• Lack of bicycle stowages in 450s has caused passenger incidents due to blocked aisles and exits.

Regional Issues:

• Inferior public transport links compromise economic growth and business development in the important SE Hants and Isle of Wight regions.

• Havant and Portsmouth are the only south coast destinations served from the capital by suburban trains.

• Havant enjoys direct rail links with London and several major cities. A high quality rail service is vital to the town’s future prosperity.

• Portsmouth is a key transport interchange, providing a direct link between the capital, the continental ferry port, Isle of Wight and Gosport. It warrants adequate mainline trains.

Franchise and Passenger Satisfaction:

• Rail services, provided by SWT, have improved significantly since privatization. Trains now largely run on time and staff are loyal and efficient.

• SWT enjoys a monopoly on the Portsmouth mainline. A Contract of Trust must therefore exist between the company and passengers (Source: Passenger Focus).

• On renewing its franchise in Oct 2006, SWT stated that DfT asked “all bidders to cater for significant further growth”. However, DfT have not stipulated the provision of more seats per coach. (Source: DfT Service Level Commitment [Commercial in Confidence])

• SWT appears to operate within the strict framework of the Franchise set by the DfT with limited regard to the concerns of fare-paying passengers. This contravenes the government recommendation that passenger consultation should be enshrined in law (House of Commons Transport Select Committee report on Passenger Franchising: 2005-2006).

• SWT state that the Franchise permits them to operate Class 450s on the Portsmouth mainline.

Reasons for Change:

• DfT state that national rail passenger numbers have increased by 40% since 1997. Figures for the Portsmouth mainline have not been substantiated.

• SWT’s stated reason for the change is based solely on overcrowding. A 12 x 450 provides 140 standard and 2 more first class seats than a 10 x 444 train.

• A “Rolling Stock Cascade” was instigated in Oct 2006 to achieve greater capacity, affecting the SW region and London Suburban. It was coincidental with franchise renewal.


Overcrowding – The Facts:

• Of the 135 daily services, only 5 (3.7%) are even remotely busy and then only between Woking and Waterloo (Source: 2006 PIXC figures - attached).

• Crowding only occurs on occasions of delay, cancellation or short formation.

• In reality, only 11 (8.1%)of the 135 Portsmouth daily services, and none at weekends, are formed of 12 x 450 coaches (Source: 2006 PIXC figures).
 
• The DfT document “Southern Area RPA for the Railway (Jan 07)” makes no mention of overcrowding on the Portsmouth line, only in the London suburban area. In the Top Ten of busiest stations, Waterloo is the only Portsmouth line station listed.

• The DfT document “Delivering a Sustainable Railway (Jul 07)” also makes no mention of overcrowding on the Portsmouth line. It does however recommend that the Government work more closely with cities to achieve improvements (para 5.39).

• DfT have not defined what “overcrowding” means (Source: PUS letter).

• No evidence exists of complaints from Guildford or Woking passengers about overcrowding on London services. They enjoy 13 Waterloo bound trains per hour throughout the day, or one every 5 minutes. (See quote attached)

• Short haul passengers (<30 minutes) interviewed on evening peak trains are happy to stand, and tend to remain at the back, nearer their destination exit, thus giving the impression of overcrowding.

Finances:

• Passengers believe that changes are not due to overcrowding, but because widespread deployment of 450 trains significantly increases SWT profits. (Source: No 450 Campaign survey).

• Class 450s are approx 20% cheaper per coach to lease than 444s. (Source: Angel Trains).

• Stagecoach reported profits of £400m (Nov 06), £700m (Feb 07) and increased takings of 15% in the 12 weeks to July 2007 (Source: Financial Times).

Passenger Counts:

• In Dec 2006, SWT promised to conduct a passenger count with a view to reversing the Rolling Stock Cascade.

• SWT have subsequently declined to make the 2007 passenger figures available for reasons of “commercial sensitivity”. The method of passenger counting described by SWT managers is believed to be inaccurate for various reasons, eg- the electronic counting system is only fitted in 30-35% of stock.

• Since Dec 2006, the average count on evening Waterloo peak departures (1730 & 1800) is 176 empty seats. Available seating increases significantly beyond Woking. (Source: No 450 Campaign survey)

Health & Safety Report:

• In Dec 2006, SWT promised to conduct a Health & Safety review of the Class 450 seating.

• This report, the “Class 450 Ergonomic Assessment” study (Interfleet Technology Ltd) was released in Aug 2007. A limited summary was made available to passengers, none of whom had been consulted during its compilation.

• Whilst the report helps to defend SWT against medical litigation, it does not address the comfort/personal space issue. However, it does recognize that “there are some issues with seat width, and based on the available anthropometric data that when all seats are occupied, based on the 90:10 population, 59% of the population will exceed their seating envelope with their elbows”. The seating is only suitable for children and slightly built adults. The report also states that “The seat back tilt is 9.9 degrees and therefore falls just outside the recommended best practice...”

• The report does not address the lack of legroom, particularly in the window seats where passengers are forced to place a foot on the heater panel, thus twisting the spine and encouraging an unnatural slouch position. This compromises the accepted sitting position with feet placed shoulder width apart. Passengers on inside seats overspill into the centre aisle, blocking safe passage through the train.

• Many passengers prefer to stand, leaving the centre of 3 seats unoccupied, hence negating the supposed advantages of additional capacity (see photo attached).

Conclusions:

• Overcrowding is not an issue on the Portsmouth Mainline.

• 450 class trains are not fit for purpose and do not achieve customer satisfaction.

Recommendations:

• Waterloo-Portsmouth line to be restored to Summer 2006 levels with suitable mainline rolling stock with 2+2 seating, occasional tables and adequate legroom.

• In future passenger consultation should receive higher DfT priority.

Finally a note from a Woking commuter:

I live in and commute from Woking and am as frustrated as many by the decision to replace the 444s with 450s. Even for a 25-30 minute journey they are uncomfortable and when you commute to and from London every day, the type of train offered makes a huge difference to your day and can either make your job and the commute seem worthwhile, or start to make you have second thoughts about working in London at all.

Before the change, I was usually able to get a seat during peak hour from Woking by going to the back of the train. Coming back from London, there was never a problem getting a seat because the rush hour is staggered over a longer period in the evening.

I would in fact prefer to stand on the 444s than have the possibility of a smaller seat on the 450s. I cannot believe that I am the only commuter from Woking who feels this way.