MP’s ‘whinging’ jibe over trains

MP Phil Woolas has hit back at scathing criticism by accusing an Oldham councillor of “whinging” about overcrowded trains.

Oldham councillor Richard Knowles fired a broadside at the Oldham East and Saddleworth MP who had been in talks with the Transport Minister Lord Adonis about bringing extra carriages in to alleviate problems caused by the closure of the Oldham loop line last month.

And although more carriages have be installed on rush-hour trains from Mills Hill and Greenfield to Manchester Victoria, passengers still face the daily misery of overcrowding.

In his letter, Councillor Knowles said: “The Government’s public commitment last year was for 1,300 extra rail carriages nationally before 2014 to ensure overcrowding was at least no worse than in 2008.

“It was really disappointed that the only hope you could offer rail passengers on overcrowded trains was to transfer a few spare diesel railcars after the electrification of the Liverpool to Manchester line in 2013.

“Northern, which operates our local trains, were promised 182 extra carriages and TransPennine Express 42 extra carriages,” he claimed.

“The Government appears to have reneged on that commitment.”

Passengers are regularly left behind on the platform at Manchester Victoria, Mills Hill and Ashton because of packed carriages.

But Mr Woolas said: “Instead of whinging about total numbers of extra carriages, councillor Knowles should be working together to get extra carriages into the Greater Manchester area as soon as possible.

“He gives the impression the Government has cancelled the order for all the 180 carriages that Northern Rail had requested for its operations across the north of England.

“In fact, there will be upwards of 100 extra carriages to alleviate the present overcrowding on our trains. We would all like to see even more carriages.

“I would say to councillor Knowles that 100 extra carriages is good news and we need them as soon as possible.”