AFTER Transport for the North has urged people to consider taking the train to reduce carbon emissions, there has been pushback over the provision of rail services in the region.

With roads across the North busier than at any time in the last 18 months, and many cities facing lengthy daily traffic jams, the transport body said there are ‘more reasons than ever’ to consider the train as an alternative.

Steve Wadds disagreed: "It can work if you happen to lie on a direct route with frequent services from early morning until late evening. It fails miserably if any of those conditions aren't met. Try commuting from Appleby to Penrith by rail, for example."

Carla Little said: "Unless you are undertaking a longer journey from Oxenholme to London/Glasgow/Edinburgh it’s really not practical for most people! How about free park and rides to town centres and train station, reduced bus prices and the possibility to actually book tickets ahead of time."

Border Reiver said: "Rail travel is not a viable solution for many people - it's limited by its nature to major population centres, inconvenient, and ridiculously expensive compared to other countries. It's not an option for many disabled people either. It could be better, and should be."

Sue Layfield said: "That's all very well as long as there is thought for car parking near a station or regular bus services to get people near to a station."

Whereas Carl Peckett pointed out: "The ability to more easily take bikes on trains would help encourage commuting via train too."

Norman G said: "And add to that the price of tickets. A recent trip to the north east for two people. Petrol cost was 25% that of the train. Yes, I know I have depreciation, tax and running costs but to be honest sitting in a cramped train and having to sort additional transport at each end - what is the point?"