First class train carriages to be scrapped to stop segregation, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling says

Minister says he does not see case for having two different carriages on shorter train routes

The Travel Secretary empathises with the pain that commuters feel when they can't board a train despite empty first-class seats (PA)

First-class carriages will vanish from busy suburban routes to tackle overcrowding during rush hour, Chris Grayling has pledged.

The Transport Secretary said he was “absolutely” committed to getting rid of the first-class section on commuter trains and that he did not see the case for having two different carriages on shorter train routes.

He also added that the Government would now stipulate “you can’t start segregating” in any future deals.

Mr Grayling currently travels to Westminster from his home in north Surrey and claimed to understand the grievances felt by commuters when they cannot get a seat on a train but can see empty spaces in the first-class section.

“I absolutely understand what a total pain it is if you are standing on a train for 20-30 minutes on the way to work,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

“I don’t really see a case for a short-distance journey for there to be any distinction between first and second class. There should be just one class one the train.

“We have got rid of it on some of the trains in southeast London as part of the new franchise… people will see fewer first-class carriages in the future as we start to say that on busy suburban trains you can’t start segregating.”

The Transport Secretary also noted that the Government was working on “smart ticketing”, which would end the use of paper tickets and give passengers automatic refunds when trains are delayed.

Much like the Oyster scheme used in London, it would allow commuters to tap in and out when using the rail system.

Critics point out the Government has previously suggested it would do away with first-class train carriages but has failed to follow up with any legislation.