There seems to be no end in sight to the inconvenience caused to rail travellers by the unreliable local services. How much longer must it be allowed to continue?

We have a Government which is keen for drivers to leave their cars at home and use public transport, particularly for commuting. Most local authorities share this enthusiasm for people to switch to buses and trains. What's more, the congestion on West Yorkshire's roads has meant that a growing number of motorists have begun to see the politicians' point of view and are keen to try alternatives, particularly the trains.

Unfortunately the rail service around West Yorkshire is so unreliable that many are being forced to return to their cars. The frustration and annoyance of those who need to stay with the trains is understandable.

Today we tell the story of a young woman who commutes between Frizinghall and Leeds. Trains are so often delayed, or cancelled, or overcrowded that she says it is making her ill. She tells of inadequate information and of last-minute destination changes.

Arriva Trains Northern, the local operator, blames the situation on many factors: shortage of train drivers and rolling stock; teething problems with new trains; Railtrack engineering work. These excuses are wearing a bit thin, and certainly do not explain the shortcomings in providing information to passengers about late, cancelled or re-routed trains.

This appalling situation had gone on long enough. Arriva needs to get its act together and provide West Yorkshire's travellers with the service they deserve. If it cannot, then perhaps it is time for alternative operators to be invited to suggest how they might do it better.