A commuter whose train didn’t arrive on time once over a two-week period is calling for Southeastern to be stripped of its franchise.

Tony Fitzpatrick spends £4,244 on his annual season ticket to travel on the Maidstone East line, but is getting increasingly frustrated at delays.

The accountant, who lives in The Orchard, Bearsted, said: “I coach my son’s football team and have been late for sessions.

“It is a constant source of stress and aggravation. A lady on my train missed an appointment for her cancer treatment recently.”

Between Monday, January 11 and Friday, January 22, the 7.37am Bearsted to Victoria was late every day.

The evening commute didn’t fair much better – nine out of 10 return journeys were delayed.

Mr Fitzpatrick, 48, is one of almost 100 commuters who have joined Bearsted Commuters’ Group. Passengers share information on Facebook and have arranged meetings with MPs and train bosses.

Southeastern said delays were caused by speed restrictions between Ashford International and Maidstone East imposed by Network Rail.

Maidstone councillor Louise Brice (Con) travels between Staplehurst and Charing Cross three times a week and arrives about 15 minutes late most days.

She said: “The Thameslink project is having a major impact on the rail network, and Southeastern has failed to put in contingency plans and alter timetables accordingly.

"I was sitting opposite a businessman who was in tears..." Louise Brice, commuter and councillor

“Earlier this month I was sitting opposite a businessman who was in tears after we were delayed at London Bridge. People rely on these services. Something has to be done.”

Southeastern said: “We understand delays can be frustrating and work closely with Network Rail to minimise incidents of severe disruption.

“In the past few weeks emergency speed restrictions have caused delays to this service mainly between one and eight minutes long. On one occasion the delay was unfortunately 16 minutes.”

Maidstone council's wish list:

At a meeting last week, Maidstone council set out its wish list for the next franchise when the current agreement comes up for renewal in 2018.

The tendering process starts in October, with Maidstone Borough Council and Kent County Council given the chance to make suggestions to the Department for Transport.

Maidstone council’s strategic planning, sustainability and transportation committee welcomed reports that the town would benefit from new rolling stock and shorter journey times when the Thameslink service begins in 2018.

It would also like fast commuter services between Maidstone East and Cannon Street, stopping at London Bridge, to be reintroduced.

The service was withdrawn in 2009, along with an all-day high-speed service between Maidstone West and St Pancras.

The high speed service currently runs at peak times only.

Councillors also called for station upgrades, including at Yalding, Maidstone West, East and Barracks, Harrietsham, Hollingbourne, Headcorn and Marden.

Maidstone and Weald MP Helen Grant sympathised with Southeastern, saying the main bug bears were beyond its control.

She said “According to the trains minister Claire Perry, 60% of service failures related to Network Rail’s infrastructure and just 25% are directly apportioned to Southeastern.

“Passenger numbers have doubled since privatisation, and the rail company has seen a 30% increase since taking over the franchise.”