A Sussex MP has complained that passengers are getting a raw deal from the public transport "shutdown" over the Christmas period.

Peter Bottomley, Tory MP for West Worthing, has signed a Parliamentary motion calling for an improvement in rail and bus services from next year.

The motion expresses "deep disappointment" that "once again during this festive season the UK's railways will undergo a 58 hour shutdown with no services whatsoever being provided on the overwhelming majority of lines and in most areas there will be no buses running over a similar period."

It goes on: "This is in stark contrast to the situation that prevails in the rest of Europe where regular services run throughout the Christmas holidays".

It adds: "The closure of the rail and bus network leaves many people without access to transport to visit family or friends or attend sporting events."

The early day motion, which has been signed by 28 MPs, calls on the transport industry and Government to work together to ensure that from 2008 "an adequate" rail and bus service is provided on Boxing Day at least".

But it fails to mention that passengers in parts of Sussex are already being offered limited bus and rail services on December 26.

Brighton and Hove Bus Company said the city would be served by regular services on Boxing Day.

Managing director Roger French said: "We are unique outside of London in running a Boxing Day bus service as a commercial proposition with no public money.

"Brighton does fantastically well by bucking the trend and running a service on Boxing Day."

Southern Railway said it was running a "limited service" in Sussex on Boxing Day for the first time in many years.

A spokesman said an hourly service will run between 9am and 7pm between Brighton and London Bridge, calling at Haywards Heath, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, Redhill and East Croydon.