Fares fear over packed trains

DEMAND for train travel between Greater Manchester and Yorkshire is so high that fares will have to be put up to deter passengers unless extra capacity is provided.

Even ticket price rises of one per cent above inflation will not prevent “significant overcrowding” on the line through Saddleworth to Leeds, says Network Rail, the tracks and stations provider.

It says in a consultation report for future developments: “There are only very limited opportunities to add services to meet this demand without restructuring the timetable.”

Services between Bradford and Manchester — which call at Mills Hill — are too slow by comparison with trains between other major cities it adds.