Bolton West MP Chris Green is calling for urgent improvements to a rush-hour rail service after receiving complaints that the service still hasn’t improved following a change in ownership earlier this year.
In January, the MP contacted Northern Rail, the then franchise holders of the route, after receiving reports of people fainting in crammed carriages on the rush-hour service through Blackrod, Horwich and Lostock to Manchester. Northern Rail agreed, at the time, to look at ways of increasing capacity on rush-hour services.
Now that the service has been taken over by Arriva, albeit with the same management team, Chris is again calling for improvements to be made.
In an email to Managing Direct of Arriva Rail North Managing Director, Alex Hynes, the MP said:
“Earlier this year I received reports, and saw photos, of severe overcrowding on the Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria service, which stops at Blackrod, Horwich Parkway, Lostock and Bolton. Commuters were being crammed into carriages with no space to move, and several passengers fainted due to the extreme conditions.
“It was also brought to my attention that this service was repeatedly delayed, leaving commuters waiting on cold platforms with no information, and resulting in them being late for work on a regular basis.
“Following Arriva North’s takeover of this service, I am still receiving complaints about delays and overcrowding.
“I would be grateful if you could tell me what steps Arriva are taking to address the concerns of my constituents to ensure that they can safely travel on this service.”