TRAVELLING by train can give you an interesting snapshot of society - and what you see varies depending on when you travel.

On weekday mornings, you tend to share a carriage with commuters, sitting quietly messing with their phones.

Later on, the rail network springs to life, with more conversation and more of a mix of people on the move.

And then there are night services – a different experience altogether, especially at weekends.

Travel by train past 10.30pm and the volume level is much higher and, often, people are not shy about saying (or shouting) "hello".

While the interactions can often be light-hearted and good natured, sometimes it has a more aggressive edge.

Last weekend, I took the last train from Salford Crescent to Bolton alone and, I have to be honest, it was pretty intimidating.

Two groups of men in their early 20s began arguing and I felt it could spill over into violence at any minute.

One of them thought it would be a good laugh to climb into the overhead luggage compartment, where he stayed for a good 20 minutes.

I felt like the only sober person on the train and it just did not feel safe.

There are posters all over trains urging people to report anti-social or illegal behaviour, but I did not see a single member of staff on this train.

Who can blame them? If I were a conductor, I would not want to walk through this train, encountering louts and loud mouths. What would he be able to do alone?

On other journeys I have seen a woman travelling alone harassed by a seemingly drunk man and a group of older men assault a group of teenagers for not keeping quiet.

Just as Greater Manchester Police put officers in town centres when people drink more, British Transport Police should be putting officers on these services to reassure passengers and deter troublemakers.