A FED-UP Menston commuter has called on fellow passengers to voice their frustration at continuing rail

problems.

Train operator Arriva Trains Northern recently cut back services all over the region - including the beleaguered Wharfedale Line trains.

Despite being granted permission by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to bring in a much-reduced timetable, the Leeds to Ilkley service again ground to a halt last Monday.

Rail bosses say this was a one-off incident caused by a mechanical failure - but a Menston man is calling on other passengers to take their opportunity to speak out.

Andrew Machin, of Derry Hill, says passengers should heed signs which have gone up at Guiseley, Menston, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ben Rhydding and Ilkley stations, and send their views to the Strategic Rail Authority.

The SRA recently announced a £2 million fine against Arriva for its failure to run the service, and has provided contact details to allow any disgruntled commuters to get in touch.

Mr Machin said: "I don't think people are interested in reading these signs, and all they need to do is send a quick e-mail or scribble a note. I almost feel it's my public duty to do something."

He said many passengers in the Monday rush hour, including his girlfriend were left on the platform at Leeds City Station for several hours, when several of the Ilkley-bound trains were cancelled. She eventually arrived home by bus at around 8pm.

Mr Machin, who previously lived and used public transport in Manchester, said: "I sometimes think that Leeds is light years behind other cities when it comes to public transport. We have basically lost confidence in Arriva. I think what Arriva doesn't realise is that it really affects people's quality of life.

Mr Machin complained directly to the firm's chief executive.

Arriva Trains Northern, formerly Northern Spirit, has suffered from a shortage of train drivers in recent months, which has led to some of the cancellations.

But the western regional director of Arriva Trains Northern, Peter Cushing, said the problems on Monday

were caused by a broken-down train blocking the line, and he believes the company's services had been running well since the revised timetable came into force.

He said: "When we implemented the new timetable, we said we could not say there would never be another incident. Basically, we had a train failure at Kirkstall, and this had to be recovered. It was a mechanical failure, which meant that we had to cancel some of the trains.

"Overall, since the new timetable came in, we've been very good, and

that view would be reflected by most people."