PASSENGERS were left feeling the heat after boarding a Northern Rail train without air conditioning into the town yesterday, Tuesday.
Commuters on the 17.16 service from Manchester Oxford Road to Sankey station did their best to deal with the stuffy conditions.
One traveller was Labour's Nick Bent, who stood as Warrington South candidate in May's General Election.
At times like this one wishes @northernrailorg trains between Sankey & Manchester had AC. And tables, perhaps? Some of us have work to do...
— Nick Bent (@NickBent) June 30, 2015
...on closer inspection the 1716 @northernrailorg from Oxford Road to Sankey has its heating on full blast. Moronic doesn't even come close.
— Nick Bent (@NickBent) June 30, 2015
He claimed the train had its 'heating on full blast' in the conditions he described as reaching '30 degrees'.
Northern Rail did not directly respond to the heating claim but is offering advice to commuters.
A spokesman said: "We aim to keep our trains at a comfortable temperature for our customers throughout the year by a combination of air conditioning, open windows and on-board heaters.
"If the temperature should become uncomfortable, we would ask our conductors to help by opening windows to allow air to circulate.
"During warmer weather, we would remind customers to carry a bottle of water with them when they travel and to wear light, loose clothing where possible."
The operator confirmed the train was made up of a class 142 and class 150 train, which do not have on-board air conditioning.
It proved to be a tough day for some passengers.
Glad I not the only person sweltering on a 1980s train this evening! Solidarity comrades. 😡
— Dan I (@Dan1876) June 30, 2015
Leigh MP and former Culcheth resident Andy Burnham, who is favourite to be the next party leader, was also critical of his train service last Tuesday.
During his journey between Manchester and Leeds he said the train was 90 minutes late, had standing space only and claimed the air conditioning was broken.
He also had a dig at the Government’s plans for the northern powerhouse.
He tweeted: “Northern Powerhouse, my a**e.”
On train between Manchester & Leeds - standing room only, air-con broken, 90 mins late. Line upgrade cancelled. Northern Powerhouse, my a**e
— Andy Burnham (@andyburnhammp) July 1, 2015
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