This morning, trains between Brighton and London were disrupted – yet again. I urgently contacted both Southern Trains and First Capital Connect to object to what is a perennial problem, that shows no signs of getting any better. In my email, I said:

"As a regular commuter between Brighton and London, I fully sympathise with constituents who are fed up with Southern’s poor service and recent delays.

I have been held up myself on a number of occasions and other users of the service report similar and repeated problems, for which the recent poor weather is no excuse and cannot be solely to blame.

This morning’s disruption feels like the final straw and I, like my constituents, am struggling to understand how one broken down train can bring the entire network to a standstill.

There is considerable anger about this amongst the residents of Brighton and Hove and I hope you will be taking swift action – including investment in more reliable stock if appropriate – to prevent future short notice alterations, cancellations and delays."

I will post any responses here too – and, in the meantime, I hope the train companies recognise that we are all fed up with the situation.

UPDATE: I have received this email from First Capital Connect regarding the events this morning.