Chris White, who represents central St Albans on the county council and is leader of the Lib Dem Group, has written to the Transport Minister Norman Baker calling for an investigation into the breakdown in service on First Capital Connect last night.

Chris said: ‘We are well used to the contempt that First Group shows to its commuters but this was exceptional even by their shoddy standards. Passengers were apparently left trapped with little air, no water and no communication after a power failure near Kentish Town. There were as ever people standing because of the chronic overcrowding. Some were on the train for three hours.

‘It is not sufficient for this dreadful company to conduct its own internal investigation which will no doubt give rise to belated apologies and derisory compensation. The people in charge last night should be sacked.

‘In view of the constant failings the Government should now consider dismissing the Board or transferring the franchise to a company which will remember that there are things other than profit.’

ENDS

Contact: Chris White 07850 843623