Hope for passengers on ‘sardine service’

The newly-appointed Government Minister for the North-West today offered hope for frustrated travellers who have been forced to endure daily misery since the closure of the Oldham loop line.

Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, revealed he has already had a discussion with Lord Andrew Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport, to examine if additional carriages could be introduced to ease overcrowding for beleaguered commuters.

His move comes as peak-time passengers travelling from Greenfield to Manchester will have the use of two extra carriages from today.

Mr Woolas, said: “I can understand the pressing frustration by passengers trying to get from Oldham and Saddleworth to work in Manchester.

“I am examining if the introduction of new electrified lines and electric trains could create a knock-on effect which would mean diesel and other rolling stock becoming available.”

Meanwhile, new electronic signs have been installed on both platforms at Greenfield station after funding from Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA).

Councillor Richard Knowles, a university professor and transport expert, said: “The new signs provide Saddleworth rail passengers with regularly updated information on the next three trains to Manchester Victoria and Huddersfield, whether they are on time, and, if not, how late they are running.This is particularly useful in the late afternoon, evenings and on Sundays when the ticket office is not staffed.”

And he added: “I would assure passengers the campaign to provide longer trains to reduce overcrowding between Greenfield, Mills Hill and Manchester Victoria will continue.

“But from today, thanks to GMITA stepping in with funding, the seriously overcrowded trains at 7.20am from Greenfield to Manchester Victoria and at 5.27pm from Manchester Victoria to Greenfield, will be lengthened to four carriages.”

Eileen Smith, from Springhead, who makes regular journeys to her workplace in Manchester, kept a diary of an alternative journey by bus which made 44 stops into the city.

“New station signs are all very well,” she said. “But they won’t solve the real safety concerns I and other rail users have over overcrowded trains.

“Health and safety issues for passengers are at zero.

“Something must be done quickly to alleviate the problems.”

Another disgruntled Greenfield rail passenger, who did not want to be named, said: “We just need more carriages to ensure we can travel without being packed in like sardines.”