It may be what many commuters think, but a Transport for London boss has apologised for saying Southeastern are "s***" and likening ticket inspectors to the Gestapo.

Sir Peter Hendy, the organisation's transport commissioner, said in a magazine interview: "'On Southeastern  the trains are like the Wild West. 

"They are s***, awful. And then every now and then some people who look like the Gestapo get on and fine everyone they can. It doesn't improve your day, does it?"

He has written to David Brown, chief executive of the Go-Ahead Group, and David Statham, managing director, to apologise to all employees for the remarks.

Sir Peter said: "My comment is unjustified and excessive and I apologise.

"I know everyone there is doing their best to offer a good service in the context of the franchise you have and the infrastructure you operate on.

"If there is a context, the interview was several weeks ago during the worst of the issues at London Bridge. But that's not an excuse. Passion is no excuse for insult. Sorry."

Manuel Cortes, leader of the TSSA rail union, which represents ticket inspectors, said: "Our ticket inspectors do a difficult enough job without these sort of crass comments from Sir Peter adding to their often stressful working day.

"We know from personal experience that the commissioner can sometimes be short-tempered and difficult. We can cope with him but we do not think it is either wise or sensible of him to pick on a group of people who cannot answer back and don't even work for him anyway.

"We welcome his apology even it is, like the system he is charge of, running a little late."

After the interview was published, Southeastern said: "We are really proud of our frontline teams and the work they do every day helping hundreds of thousands of passengers.

"It is disappointing that Peter Hendy’s comments do not reflect their dedication and hard work."