A personal view from Brian Gomm

BOARDING a Manchester bound rush-hour train at Atherton is an experience.

Standing on the Central Station platform counting how many travellers are trying to get into the two carriages, which have been filling-up en route from Wigan, is part of the fun.

Obviously no seats left on this morning's 8.25 so it's a matter of bracing yourself in the aisle.

Within seconds we're off and a few moments later I'm wondering if we're going to end-up down the embankment. Kids would pay extra for the see-saw thrills on this undulating section towards Walkden.

Ah, but it's well-worth the discomfort. Imagine the hassle of trying to drive into the city centre at this time in a morning, and then there's the cost and difficulty of parking. Be there well before nine o'clock, too.

The view of backdoor Britain is different. I've figured out we've pulled-in at Swinton and I'm peering up at a housing estate at what used to be one of the most famous rugby league grounds.

Happy memories!

Two stops further on and we're at Salford Crescent, commuters alight and there are seats to spare. Pity I'll be at journey's end a mile or two down the line at Victoria.

Apart from having to stand-up most of the way the journey has been a delight. And good value at a shade over £4 for a day return.

But why only two carriages at a peak period?

Which is where Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe steps in.

Mr Cunliffe is welcoming the publication of railway passenger surveys.

He says:"This is the first time most train companies have done this.

"Results are mixed and show areas where train companies must do better.

"The Government will not accept poor performance by train operators. They must take note of passengers' concerns and take immediate steps to improve areas of their performance which passengers find lacking."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.