Kent MPs are calling on the government to ensure the next operator of rail services in the south east addresses "dangerously" over-crowded trains and offers better ticket prices.

In an unprecedented move, Conservative MPs have united to make a detailed submission to the government demanding the new franchise from 2018 gives customers a far better service.

In a detailed six-page letter to rail minister Paul Maynard, eleven local MPs have set out a list of demands covering all aspects of the franchise consultation, reflecting what they say are the huge level of concerns voiced by thousands of constituents in recent months.

The MPs say that the lack of rolling stock means trains are routinely overcrowded and that extensive housing development in the county will only make the situation worse.

The MPs’ submission states: “Passengers are dissatisfied. With insufficient room to stand at times and with some season tickets at more than £6,000, they feel they are not getting value for money.

“It comes as very little surprise that very few customers have confidence In the operator being able to deliver the improvements that are needed.

“Already the situation is dangerous, with customers frequently witnessing passengers fainting due to overcrowding on carriages.

“For those who are pregnant elderly or disabled, travelling at peak times is often and variable. This is simply not good enough.

MPs also say there should be faster train services to East Kent, particularly Dover, along with a one-hour service to Thanet and two trains to Deal and Sandwich every hour.

Maidstone and The Weald MP Helen Grant, a longstanding campaigner for better commuter rail services, was one of the signatories.

She said: "Together, several Kent MPs have compiled a comprehensive document for consideration by Government in its deliberations over the forthcoming franchise bid for the county.

"It covers not only the train operators, but also issues for Network Rail to address and extends to a demand for Crossrail to be extended to Ebbsfleet, a major strategic step for Kent and for Maidstone in particular, as a link to its existing high speed service from Maidstone West.”

The new franchise holder will take over Kent services from 2018.

Four companies bidding to run the south eastern rail franchise are in the running.

Current operator Southeastern, officially called London and South East Passenger Rail Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Govia Limited, will be hoping to continue running train services in Kent.

In a statement, a spokesman for Southeastern said:

“We have seen a 40% growth in passenger numbers in the last decade, therefore we made a proposal to the government for additional trains as a matter of priority to ease overcrowding for our passengers. We await a decision and will continue to make a case for more trains. Rail season tickets are regulated and set by the government.”

MPs signing the letter are: Tom Tugendhat, Tonbridge and Malling MP; Damian Collins, Folkestone and Hythe MP; Sir Roger Gale, North Thanet MP; Helen Whately, Faversham and Mid Kent MP; Gareth Johnson Dartford MP; Gordon Henderson, Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP; Kelly Tolhurst, Rochester and Strood MP; Charlie Elphicke, Dover MP; Tracey Crouch, Chatham and Aylesford MP; Sir Michael Fallon, Sevenoaks MP; Greg Clark, Tunbridge Wells MP.