A TRAIN operator has said it cannot move carriages onto a busier commuter rush hour service because of 'logistical reasons'.

Rail users using the Mid Cheshire line in the morning from Manchester to Knutsford are often crammed on to the 7.17am two-carriage service from Piccadilly, which is popular with commuters and school children.

And some have been left mystified why the later train from Piccadilly, the 8.17am, has four carriages when it is not as busy.

John Oates, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association said: "Whilst nationally London and Manchester are in the limelight for the most crowded train services in the UK, Northwich and Knutsford can’t be far behind.

"These pictures show the 7.17am two-coach train from Manchester Piccadilly to Chester on Wednesday, September 16.

"The picture on the train is taken prior to arrival into Knutsford due at 7.59am and the other picture shows people streaming off the train, scholars for Knutsford Academy and commuters for Knutsford town centre and Barclays Bank at Radbroke Hall.

"Whilst those on the platform waiting to board are mainly commuters travelling to Northwich and Chester together with scholars for the school at Northwich and the schools and college near Greenbank station."

And a comment on the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association chairman's blog questions why the train that leaves an hour later has four carriages when most of the lines users are already at work or school.

"The 7.46am Altrincham to Chester service only ever has two carriages and is packed with commuters and about 200 school children, a real health and safety issue," he said.

"An hour later the 8.46am turns up with four carriages to carry at least half of the commuters who board an hour earlier."

But Northern Rail told the Guardian the swap could not be done due to the way it moves its carriages around the north west.

"The reason (for the 7.17am service having two carriages and the 8.17am having four) is that it is the way our diagrams work," a spokesperson said.

"With regard to the 8.17am service, although it starts at Manchester Piccadilly, it has come from Bolton so it has been put at double strength to serve Bolton earlier in the day.

"It does split later at Chester.

"The 7.17am service starts its day at Manchester Piccadilly."

John told the Guardian he had spoken to the head at Northern Rail about the issue.

"When I was at a Northern Rail event three weeks ago, I discussed this with their MD, Alex Hynes," he said,

"I asked him where else on Northern apart perhaps from the Cumbrian Coast passengers have to wait for an hour or more for the following train when they can’t physically board a train.

"He thought for a bit, but couldn’t think of anywhere else.

"It’s a good time to exert pressure as we know that from December with more former Thameslink class 319 units being introduced on Liverpool to Manchester/Preston/Warrington services, Northern in effect have seven more two-car units available to use in the north west as they’re being allowed to keep these.

"We suggested one should go on this train (the 7.17am Piccadilly to Chester) and another on the 6.58am Chester to Piccadilly. The latter is also very busy, though doesn’t leave people behind."