Overcrowded trains

[David Crookes]

The Bolton News is running reports on mass overcrowding on the region's trains and the effect it is having on services and passengers.

But what is your experience of this? Are our trains good enough or is much more needed to be done?

[amosc99]

tell me about it....

I frequently use the train between Manchester Airport and Bolton and between Bolton and Manchester and every train I seem to catch I have to stand whether it be daytime off-peak or even evening off-peak. Plus the trains are far too small and talk about the frequency of trains - just rediculous.

Where I live nowadays I have 6 trains an hour to where I work (4 go to Amsterdam Centraal - 2 are all stoppers and 2 are non-stop) whilst I have 2 trains that go via Amsterdam Zuid and on to Schipol. Each train (even during off-peak) are at least 4 double decker coaches (i.e. about 10 of our coaches). It is very rare (except during peak times) that people stand and the fares are far more simpler to understand.

I also have 2 trains an hour to Utrecht and 8 trains an hour to Lelystad (although the lines is going to be extended through to Gronningen without the threat of a C-Charge!!!!! There is also proposals for a completely new line from Amsterdam Centraal serving areas of my town that are not already served by a train and going on to souther Netherlands!!!

Investment, precision etc help to make for a comfortable journey and yet this does not happen in the UK, especially the North West - it seems to be profit before anything else.

And before anyone says anything about Netherlands not being privatised - errm it is, My line is operated by Nederlands Spoorwegen (NS) and there are 4 main train operating companies in the country, including Arriva, whilst NedRail takes care of all the lines and stations.

[Rivvyrover]

Mr Crookes, can I suggest that you Google the rules and regulations for transporting animals by train?
Any company carrying cattle in the conditions experienced by Bolton's rail commuters would be heavily fined.

[David Cullen]

Since the change in timetable Northern Rail have taken the 8.10 train off leaving the 7.49 which is the most popular train for commuters traveling from Lostock to Manchester. The next train is the 8.20 which is cutting it fine to get in to work for 9.00.They have increased the carriges from 4 to 6, but never the less I cannot get a seat.
In spring the extended car park will be opened which will mean even more commuters using Lostock Station.
We need more trains not less at peak times.

[p-jay]

Amos, you do, of course, tell only half the story. In countries such as Holland there is a political commitment and a real attempt to provide an integrated public transport solution.

Step off the train in Holland and you will be greeted with a choice of transport options allowing you to continue your journey. In major cities, there will be trams, buses and taxis together with extensive provision for bicycle parking all of which will be accessible directly from the station. At minor stations there will be a buses (which await the arrival of trains) to take people on to local housing districts.

In Britain nothing similar happens. We have pandered to the road lobby for 50 years or more and have not seriously invested in public transport. We have ended up with
a mish-mash of companies who are solely motivated by profit and not the provision of a “service” to the public.

As I have indicated previously in these columns, I live in Harwood – an area with 15-20000 residents – yet there is not one bus service that goes directly to any of the train stations in this town. How can this be at a time when we are supposed to be worried about rising pollution levels? If I need to travel to Manchester or Manchester Airport, I have two options. I can struggle to get to my local station and await an overcrowded expensive train which is invariably late or I can step into my into my car and make my journey in comfort and with the minimum of fuss. Until we are provided with a cheap, efficient and reliable public transport system then in these cold winter months, I like many other people, will opt for the most convenient choice and always take my car.

[amosc99]

[p-jay]

[amosc99]

[Lollipop]

I ditched the train when they changed the time table. The train is very rarely on time and I would of ended up getting the sack for being late.

I now use my push bike and notch up over 80 miles a week and get to work with 30 mins to spare. Luckily for me I am fit enough to this, feel sorry for the poor people who are unable to do this and/or have no alternative than the train.

[Cynical]

Wow, Lolly! I'm impressed! I don't often use the train, but last week I had occasion to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston. The journey to London had about 6 passengers in a carriage designed for about 50! It left on time, and arrived 10 minutes early. The return journey was busier, but not at all overcrowded, but arrived 5 minutes late. It's only the second time I've used a train in the last 20 years or so! But it was efficient!!

[p-jay]

[Rivvyrover]

The Manchester to London train is fabulous as long as you book in advance and get a cheap ticket, it shows what can be done.
On the topic of overcrowded trains, as somebody has pointed out on the letters page, how annoying are the people who stand in the doorways of already packed trains instead of moving to the centre of the carriage, they really get my goat.

[amosc99]