I HAVE just taken my first journey on a new electric train from Bolton to Manchester 15/2/2019 and I have to say I am not very impressed.

For a start, the carriages are not "new" just refurbished and the open face to face arrangement of the seating does not allow maximum seating per carriage.

The current "airline" setup helps towards alleviating this problem.

Also, some of these seats are not very comfortable, particularly those they have tried to squeeze in next to the WC.

As a keen cyclist, I don't think I noticed any storage space that would encourage me to use the service.

Even the old diesel trains of the 60' and 70s had a guard's van which could even convey motorcycles and excess luggage.

But, worst of all, was the horrendous noise made by the train as it accelerated out of the station.

It sounded like a jet engine was firing up and it was so unbearable that I had to move down the carriages which were still vibrating.

We were led to expect that these electric trains would be quiet and smooth running, as opposed to the old diesel Pacers.

Far from it. My journey was accompanied by any number of clankings and grindings. The electric train service from Piccadilly to Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent is superb. How is it they can get it so wrong on the North Manchester side?

Peter Lewis Fairchild

Hilden Street

Bolton