WHAT Angela Back, the Metropolitan line manager, didnt say about the new S-stock trains in singing their praises, is that they have a 32 per cent reduction in seating capacity, 306 versus 448, of the equivalent eight-car trains of the old A-stock trains that they are currently replacing.

Hence there is a further reduction in available seats to be considered in the peak hours as the new trains replace the older stock (Met line services cut at peak times, Gazette, November 2).

Actually a 20 per cent reduction in peak-hour service from Uxbridge with a decrease to 32pper cent reduction in seats.

Perhaps the real reason for the increase in service to Amersham/Chesham in peak hours is this reduction in the number of seats available per train on the longer route as the S-type stock takes over, owing to the unsuitable design of trains for outer suburban services, with their emphasis on standing capacity.

TERENCE WHITTAKER

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