FED-up commuters have vented their anger at the town's "cattle truck carriages" — and called for Manchester tram lines to be extended to Bolton.

The online study carried out by legal company YouClaim invited Bolton-based commuters to share their opinions on their journeys into Manchester.

Responding to the survey, 74 per cent of those questioned described bus and train journeys as overcrowded.

Of the 650 respondents, 85 per cent voiced negative opinions about their commute.

Those surveyed also suggested extending the Metrolink service to Bolton.

Last week, it was revealed by The Bolton News that Bolton train station would close during weekends for five months while electrification works took place in the borough.

This will result in eight fewer trains running through Bolton every hour on weekdays.

Residents who took part in the survey suggested adding more carriages to trains during peak times to make their daily commute easier and providing more frequent services into Manchester city centre before 8am.

Cllr David Chadwick, Bolton's cabinet member for transport, said: "I can understand why residents in Bolton could have these opinions, but what maybe some people don't understand is that, as a result of electrification, there will be more carriages on trains.

"It's also important to highlight that congestion on trains is not unique to the Bolton corridor.

"Personally, I prefer to get the train into Manchester than drive. There's roadworks on the M60 and a bus lane on the East Lancashire Road, which causes its own problems."

Cllr Chadwick added: "I would not want to see a Metrolink in Bolton, because the Metrolink would operate much more slowly than electric trains."

Chris Sutton, joint head of personal injury at YouClaim, said: “It’s clear from the comments that commuters from Bolton are disappointed in the train service to Manchester.

"Many commented on the overcrowding in the morning being similar to sardines in a tin, while others described it as genuinely unsafe and sometimes inhumane, especially given the high ticket prices.”