OH dear, how has it happened that our Metrolink has deteriorated into such a shambles?

I remember the promise and optimism surrounding its introduction some years ago.

The efficiency, cleanliness, reliability - even romance - of the system was to herald a new dawn for the hard-pressed commuters of Manchester.

All such hopes have turned to ashes as we now contemplate this sad, trouble-plagued, expensive tram system masquerading as a public service.

I write as someone who - mercifully - only has to endure a journey on one day each week.

Neither was my regard for the Metro enhanced after the recent total breakdown debacle which meant my journey home took me three hours (the alternative bus service couldn't cope under the strain while it was a bit rich to be charged again for the bus when we were in possession of our Metro tickets).

But I digress. It seems that every journey one takes on the Metro is fraught with problems.

I could quote numerous instances. Suffice it to point to some which I suspect will not be uncommon throughout the system, since they all basically stem from the running of a public service which seems to care not a jot for the well-being of its customers.

1: Why is such overcrowding tolerated? Why, at peak times, can't three carriages be used, instead of two? I recently joined a crowded two-carriage Metro at Radcliffe at 8.15am heading into Manchester.

More passengers crammed in at Whitefield, Prestwich and then Besses.

The situation was truly ghastly on board. One lady in her discomfort yelled out for the windows to be opened.

At Heaton Park I counted 57 schoolchildren leave our already overcrowded train. I believe each carriage is designed to convey about 35 people, so it's not hard to imagine what people were being expected to endure.

2: Why is it so very expensive?

3: Why are the employees never on hand to offer assistance at peak times and when the frequent disruptions occur? (unlike the London Underground which, for all its difficulties, does provide good customer service).

4: Why is the manner of the ticket inspectors often so intimidating, making one feel somehow guilty and uncomfortable?

5: Why oh why does so much seem to go wrong, almost daily now it seems?

Faced with all this so-called "service" it doesn't surprise me at all that some people react by ignoring the No Smoking or eating on platform regulations or, indeed, indulge in fare-dodging (which I do not condone at all).

I think the Metro is a disgrace and a huge disappointment.

Do we really have to put up with it in its present condition?

We have, in my view, created a monster.

HARRY DUTTON