IHAVE read with interest a few recent articles and letters in the Bolton Evening News regarding the poor train service for commuters between Bolton and Manchester.

I've been commuting by train from Bromley Cross to Manchester for the last 15 years, when we moved to Bolton from Guildford in Surrey. One of the reasons we chose to live in Bromley Cross was the availability of a train service into Manchester.

Overall, I have been pleased with the service. Compared to commuting from Guildford to Waterloo station in London, it is a generally "hassle free" experience.

Sometimes the train is a bit late and occasionally it is cancelled completely, which is, of course, rather annoying.

Because of the increasing popularity of the service, it also became difficult to get a seat on the morning train.

A few months ago, however, another carriage was added to my morning train and this is no longer a problem. (The fact that the number of passengers has increased to the extent that another carriage is needed must say something about the service).

So, although I wouldn't go so far as to say the service couldn't be improved, one thing I can say with complete confidence is that it is a far superior way to travel to work in Manchester than travelling either by car or by bus, both of which I have tried occasionally and been worn out by the experience.

When my annual season ticket, which costs £550, is up for renewal, I shall be renewing it with little hesitation. I think it is good value for money.

Clive Atty

Higher Ridings

Bromley Cross

Bolton