RAIL passengers have formed an organisation aimed at improving train services.

Having held a key meeting last month, Bolton Rail Users Group has now agreed a legal constitution and is appealing for new members.

Its leaders said they want to work with various authorities to campaigns for trains to be reliable, punctual, modern, comfortable and energy efficient.

The group also wants to improve services for disabled people and ensure that, when changes to the network are proposed, authorities ask for its views.

Its leader, Jeff Davies, said: "There is no quick fix for what's wrong with Bolton's rail services.

"It will take a sustained effort over a period of years by everyone involved.

"If we all work together we can get there."

Mr Davies praised the Bolton News's Let's Get Back On Track campaign, and reporter Elaine O'Flynn hand delivered a 1,400-signature petition to Downing Street calling on the Department for Transport to provide better services in Bolton.

"I appeal to everyone who signed the magnificent Bolton News-inspired petition to strengthen our hand and sign up for membership of the group," said Mr Davies.

He added: "We must grow our membership in order to be really effective and ensure that we meet the wishes and aspirations of Bolton rail travellers.

"Membership is subscription free and will not impose any obligation to attend meetings or do a job of work. It will not therefore be burdensome or take time."

The group is aware that it may, in the coming months, develop some bargaining power in that several companies will be competing to operate the contracts currently run by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express.

Mr Davies said: "We are embarking on a process to influence the companies who have been selected to bid for the new rail franchises for the North of England.

"We will urge them that, in both the public and their own business interest, they must draw up and include in their bids major investment proposals to give Bolton rail users the trains and services they need and deserve."

Visit boltonrug.webspace.virginmedia.com to find out more about the group.