WEARY of late and cancelled trains, rail users may be sceptical of the pledge by Transport Secretary Stephen Byers today of major improvements to services in the region -- given the chaos into which they have collapsed since privatisation.

They will note, too, that, like many of the trains they use, this recovery may take a great time to arrive -- as the promised developments are part of a ten year plan, for which, apparently, no extra money is pledged.

But if passengers' past experience of using the worst rail system in Europe justifies much of this cynicism, among Mr Byers' pledges are some positive points with faster-track timetabling which may be welcomed.

Among these is that the ten-year blueprint announced by the Strategic Rail Authority contains confirmation that the new franchise for the Preston-Leeds Trans-Pennine Express, which runs through East Lancashire, will be awarded later this year and that services will begin early in 2003.

This dispels fears that this important express service would be lost, and at the same time, as Mr Byers suggests, should also benefit the 'feeder' rail lines in East Lancashire.

Long-distance travellers will also welcome the provision for new, high-speed 'tilting' trains by May, 2003, on the West Coast main line from London to Preston and Glasgow.

But urgent and extensive action is also needed on the regional network and passengers will want and expect that the promised major improvements on the Blackburn to Manchester service of new track and new trains are delivered as soon as possible.

Travellers have had to endure chaos and disappointment for too long. Mr Byers must understand that their patience as voters is now extremely short -- and that they expect express action.