I TRAVELLED on the first train from Burnley to Manchester for many years.

The last direct service was when the line to Skipton was open and there was a service via Accrington, Helmshore, Bury and Clifton junction.

The new service trains are mainly class 150s which at least have bogies and are a better ride than pacers.

This service will become popular given time. But the fares to intermediate stations are exorbitant. Over £9 Burnley to Todmorden!

Wouldn’t you have thought that they would have managed to put a good fares structure in place, given the delays which have plagued the start of this service?

The fares to Manchester have been set competitively and will compete very well with the X43.

A real surprise is that two additional late trains have been included so that a show or the cinema can be visited and a few drinks with a return at 10.50pm (last train).

We were promised the service Burnley to Manchester Victoria would take 42 minutes but the journey time is actually 52 minutes owing to our new service being a stopping service, not express.

I am told this may change in the future?

Ray Barber, Burnley (via email)