[underbank]

Typical talk of the cleanliness and toilets problem being because of the poor travellers. I regularly use the Carnforth to Leeds (so called) "service" via the Skipton line, taking the first train of the day. It's often filthy - that's simply because it wasn't cleaned from the day before - it's the first train of the day - litter on the floor, still-wet spills on the seats etc. Often stuck on it for best part of two hours, toilets are sometimes blocked meaning quite an uncomfortable 2 hours!! Clearly, it's not been cleaned and maintained overnight!

Not to mention two hours being stuck on an old and uncomfortable train is not pleasant. These old 2 car DMUs are not meant for long, slow journeys like that. No refreshments, only one toilet (if you're lucky), etc. Once you get to Skipton and get closer to Leeds, the train gets so full, it's claustrophobic - aisles can sometimes be completely blocked with dozens of people.

It's alright for people living in cities to say just wait and take another train - there is only ONE train to get you to Leeds before lunchtime!