THE Bolton News' Let’s Get Back on Track petition has been signed by more than 850 people — and hundreds have sent in stories of the troubles faced by the average Bolton commuter.

Tales of people squashed up against glass, forced to get on carriages with no chance of a seat and even fainting due to the heat and pressure, have filled our postbox and inboxes.

Olivia Bailey, from Lostock, signed the petition while she was waiting on a platform for an early-morning train.

The 20-year-old wrote: “Last Thursday I witnessed a man collapse approaching Salford Crescent due to the heat and overcrowding.

“He was squashed against the doors surrounded by approximately 15 people.

“He proceeded to fall off the train face first, crashing into the platform.

“Nobody should have to suffer such humiliation and illness where there is such a simple answer.”

Roy Pilkington, aged 58 from Heaton, said the current situation is ‘totally disgraceful’ and should not be allowed to continue.

He added: “I feel it is only a matter of time before there will be some sort of serious accident..

“Getting a seat is unheard of and I cannot understand why carriages are very regularly only two or three at most, even at peak times.

“The recent reduction has caused a situation that was already chaotic to become one that is untenable and highly dangerous.”

Lostock resident Donna Atkinsom said the current situation was horrendous.

The 45-year-old wrote: “I travel into Manchester once a month for meetings and I have never experienced anything as barbaric as travelling on a train.

“I suffer from IBS and the journey is pure torture.

“I really pity the people that have to endure this every day.”

Holly Brailsford of Great Lever signed our petition and said she has been commuting from Bolton to Manchester for five years.

The 28-year-old added: “I can honestly say the service has never been worse.

“I have been yelled at, grabbed, pushed, stood on, trapped in doorways, and locked on trains which are delayed once they’ve left the station.

“I’ve been late for meetings and missed connections. Each morning is met with dread.”