SIR, The Westmorland Gazette has reported the disruption to Arriva Trains Northern services caused by the current series of strikes by conductors belonging to the RMT union. As a voice for rail users we greatly regret the inconvenience the strikes are causing to travellers, and also the damage being done to the industry, but there is some good news for users of the Leeds-Morecambe and Leeds-Settle-Carlisle lines, namely the special winter offer to Dales Railcard holders, which continues until February 2.

For just £3, cardholders can travel anywhere on the two lines all day if they like. And during the rest of the year the card offers a reduction of one third off most normal fares, with a flat rate of £2 for children. The card costs £10, and can be obtained at Carlisle, Carnforth, Skipton, Settle and Appleby stations. It is available to residents of postcode areas that include LA2, 5, 6 and 10, BD23 and 24, and CA1-4,8-11, 16 and 17.

Lancaster and Skipton Rail Users Group (LASRUG) has been pressing for many years for improvements to the Leeds-Morecambe service, but the hopes we had of extra trains are still unfulfilled.

Unfortunately, everything is now on hold while bids are invited from would-be operators of the new Northern Rail Franchise. In the meantime, we hope readers will use the local rail service as much as they can and so help us make a strong case for the improvements it so clearly needs.

John Bearpark, Chairman

LASRUG, Settle

January 9, 2003 15:00