Stations are often threatening places, with poorly lit, graffiti-covered passages and platforms, vandalised facilities and no staff, said Edward Leigh, Tory chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

The MPs found one- third of the stations, many built in Victorian times, had no waiting-rooms and 15 per cent no lavatories.

Few train operating companies (TOCs) had joined national schemes to reduce crime and improve personal safety at stations in spite of findings that this would increase passenger numbers by up to 11 per cent.

"Passenger needs at stations have taken second place for the Strategic Rail Authority and the rail industry," Mr Leigh said. "A large number of Britain's railway stations are a poor advertisement for our country."