MPS are calling on train operators to improve services after a second day of delays.

Commuters were affected yesterday morning as a result of overrunning engineering work before an electrical supply problem caused more disruption at lunch time.

Problems at a level crossing near Bosham also caused delays of 20 minutes for services between Chichester and Havant.

The disruption comes after Wednesday’s delays caused by a broken down train and a signal failure.

Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, was one of the hundreds caught in the delays.

She said: “Rail operators must be held publicly accountable for the state of their services, and I’m pressing for that.

“We have overcrowded trains and shockingly poor services. Given we have some of the highest fares in Europe, it’s an especially bitter pill.

"Many of my constituents – lots of whom rely on the Brighton-London services regularly – are struggling with the constant unfair price hikes.”

Yesterday’s problems were initially caused by overrunning work in the Redhill area.

As a result all trains going through from Gatwick to East Croydon were delayed by 30 minutes.

Later on in the morning an electrical fault at Victoria caused problems for passengers trying to get to the capital around lunchtime.

It was 1.30pm before engineers had fixed the fault but it took much longer for the backlog to clear. The disruption comes just weeks before train fares are set to rise above inflation once again.

Southern’s prices will go up by 2.1% with a season ticket from Brighton to London Victoria increasing from £3,972 to £4,068.

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said: “I frequently raise concerns with the rail operators and Network Rail and will continue to do so.

"While the extensive investment in the line will see improvements in the future, I believe Network Rail and the operators need to be doing more to improve the situation right now.

“At present people have to endure delays and disruption all too frequently.”

Mike Weatherly, MP for Hove, said: “Commuters in the city once again face increasing prices yet no tangible improvements in service.

A Southern spokesman apologised for the delays, adding that the two problems were out of their control.

At the time of publication Network Rail, who were responsible for the overrunning works, had not provided a statement.