AS a regular traveller on the First Trans-Pennine Express services I read with some alarm that First were aiming to pack even more travellers on to their Manchester Airport services.

I tend to travel on the 8.23am train out of York. This service is always heavily overcrowded between York and Leeds, particularly when there are only two carriages.

The return journeys (around five o'clock out of Leeds) are no better. In theory I should be working on the train, but I find it impossible to even think, let alone work.

Please could First consider investing in more rolling stock before they try to entice even more customers on board? The commute to Manchester is highly unpleasant.

I have a weakness in my left leg which makes it difficult for me to stand on a moving vehicle and this makes the uncertainty of getting a seat an added source of tension on each journey I make.

I do reserve a seat, but very rarely get it.

If there really was any viable alternative to this service I would use it.

Dr Richard Greaves,

Morehall Close, York.

Updated: 09:48 Friday, July 08, 2005