A train service from Sutton is among the most crowded in the country, according to a transport lobby group.

Transport 2000 has included the Sutton to Luton First Capital Connect service in its "Sardine Man" survey of the most crowded trains in England and Wales.

According to the survey, the 16.33 Sutton to Luton service is overcrowded by 50 per cent, forcing passengers to stand for long distances.

Transport 2000 public transport campaigner Julia Thomas said the Government needed to act to end passenger misery.

"It's very easy to blame rail operators for overcrowding problems, but actually a lot of it is down to the Government's rail policy," Ms Thomas said.

"They have issued no growth' franchises for the past 10 years and they've been promoting a policy of fares hikes to get people to travel off-peak, but passengers really don't have that much flexibility.

"In addition, the very short time periods covered by franchise agreements does not encourage any infrastructure investment by the rail operators."

The group wants the Government to ensure surging passenger numbers is at the centre of its new 30-year rail strategy expected in the summer.

Transport 2000 says the "acceptable level" of overcrowding on London trains should be reduced from 20 minutes to "a more reasonable 15 minutes" and enforce it.

A First Capital Connect spokesman said overcrowding was "a major challenge" it was trying to overcome.

"We have secured an additional four-car train, which has marginally increased capacity on the route and we are working with our industry partners to release 12 additional trains.

"We are looking at a variety of other options to increase capacity on this very busy route.

"If the Department for Transport's Thameslink Programme gains funding sign-off this summer, the north-south route across London between London Bridge and King's Cross will be upgraded.

"As part of this programme brand new 12-car trains will be introduced on the Thameslink route."

Transport 2000 says the 7.59am from Durham to Newcastle is the most overcrowded train in England, followed by the 7.18am Cambridge to London Liverpool Street.

The 16.33 Sutton to Luton is ranked ninth worst.

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