Who'd take a train?

Commuters continue to let the train take the strain

Some commuters have voted with their feet and deserted the railways because of the chaos caused by the Hatfield crash, according to research for the BBC. But what about the rest?

BBC News Online's Steve Hawkes went to London's Paddington station to listen to the views of the passengers still using trains.

Chris Knight: "Quickest way"

Chris Knight, from Birmingham, said the chaos and disruption following the Hatfield crash had put him off using trains to all other parts of the country - but not London.

"It's by far the quickest way of getting to London on a Monday, despite the delays," the 45-year-old project manager said.

"The traffic on the motorway means driving down takes an hour or two more."

Paul Liggett: "Happy to commute"

Paul Liggett, a 34-year-old managing director from Reading, agreed that taking the train to Paddington still beat braving the motorway.

"I've had a few delays, but there are so many trains from Reading to London and 35 minutes on the train is still better than an hour to an hour-and-three quarters on the M4," he said.

"I used to live in London but now I'm happy to commute - it's not that long."

Sarah Robinson: "Train is easier"

Sarah Robinson, 26, from Cardiff, said that since the Hatfield crash she allowed an extra hour for her journey time "because I don't know what's going to happen".

Nevertheless, train travel is still her transport of choice.

"I used the coach over Christmas - but the train is easier," she added.

Chris Mathew: "Poor service"

Chris Mathew, of Bristol, said he no longer trusted the trains as much as before.

"I'm paying a hell of a lot of money for a poor service," complained the 50-year-old insurance salesman.

Emmanuelle Jeannot, 34, a human factors specialist from Great Malvern, said her journey to Paddington was easy and her train on time.

Emmanuelle Jeannot: "Acceptable"

"Last time it was 20 minutes late - but 20 minutes is still acceptable.

"It's still the best way of travelling.

"I can sleep and read my paper.

"Driving would take longer and be more stressful."