ABOUT 50 years ago I used to travel to Blackpool on the train on a Saturday to visit my family and every Saturday the train would pull into Bolton station from Manchester full.

Myself and others had to squeeze on a coach which already had standing room only.

Occasionally I would get a seat at Preston, but not often.

Asking the ticket inspector why we did not have more coaches (there were just two), the answer was always the same, 'We don't have the staff".

Two coaches on a route from Manchester to Blackpool, the most popular seaside resort in the country, was ludicrous, and more so paying full fare. On returning was the same, a massive queue at Blackpool and a stampeding dash to get a seat when the gate opened.

Will they ever get it right. Let's give more thought and consideration to weary commuters who pay and deserve a little more comfort.

Thomas A Hough

Shrewsbury Road

Bolton