WHILE the Government prattles on about improving public transport in an attempt to get people off the roads, there's no sign that local railway companies have got the message.

The fares policy of First North Western leaves an awful lot to be desired.

I would like to ask them how they can justify charging £8.70 for a day return from Blackburn to St Annes at peak periods or £7.90 at off-peak times?

The same journey in an average consumption car costs half that amount, which means that there is absolutely no incentive to go by rail.

Add to that the convenience of the car against the train and there is no contest about the best method of transport.

Until this train company gets its act together they will see fewer and fewer passengers, not more.

Name and address supplied.

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