Rail commuters from Peterborough say they are enduring highly crowded trains to London following operator LNER’s decision to overhaul the timetable for its capital service.

One city commuter, who did not wish to be identified, said: “I was on the new 7.34am train from Peterborough to London Kings Cross on Wednesday (January 14), and exactly as predicted, it was overcrowded, with people standing in the spaces at the end of the carriages. “As of Tuesday evening, tickets in standard class were sold out for this service, which is very unusual.

He said: "This is a significant step backwards for Peterborough commuters, given that during the busy morning commuter window, we used to have trains running at 07.20, 07.40, and 07.49.

"Because this is the last fast train until the 08.14 (which takes one hour and three minutes instead of the usual 45 to 50 minutes) a much larger number of commuters are now having to fit into the 07.34 train, as it’s the only way to get to London offices before 9am. “It has detrimentally impacted Peterborough commuters.

Commuter concerns are growing at the state of early morning train services from Peterborough to London. (Inset, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes)

placeholder image — Commuter concerns are growing at the state of early morning train services from Peterborough to London. (Inset, Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes)

“It is a hard pill to swallow when a single ticket costs £78 (more than a pound a mile) and an annual season ticket over £10,000, which is barely affordable.

He added: “Peterborough is only just commutable to London given the distance and the cost, and a change like this will deter people from living in Peterborough if they work in London, which will in turn negatively impact the area.”

LNER was among a number of train operators that announced some of the most far reaching changes to their timetables in 40 years.

But within weeks, commuters had flagged up a number or concerns among which were that there were fewer trains and that a 40 minute gap in key morning services to the capital had been created.

Peterborough MP vows to fast track concerns over new rail services to London bef...

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes said: “It is clear that the new timetable is not working for Peterborough.

"The morning gap in commuter services to London is simply unacceptable.

"I’d like to thank everyone who has been in contact with me about this issue.

Mr Pakes added: "Last week I met directly with the minister and LNER to explain local anger.

“I am hopeful that LNER will come back to the Government and me shortly with plans to revise services.”

An LNER spokesperson said: “We welcome feedback from our customers and are aware that, as the new timetable beds in, some morning services at Peterborough have been busier than usual.

"We are actively monitoring the situation and continue to speak to local stakeholders as we explore the possibility of adjustments at the next industry timetable change.

However, he also added: “Overall, the new East Coast Main Line timetable is a positive change for Peterborough, with a total of 18 additional services every weekday between the city and London, and improved connectivity to other destinations on the route."