WHILE waiting for a train to York this morning at Darlington station with my wife and friends we were amazed to see the scenes of passengers trying to board the airport train.

It was a TransPennine Express train made up of three coaches.

The first one, First Class would be lucky to be half full, the second two were like sardine tins.

It took a long time for the rail staff to get the passengers aboard.

There were children, elderly people with walking aids and of course most of them were carrying plenty of luggage, all of whom would have to stand most of the journey.

Why on earth in the middle of the holiday season can they not add a couple of extra coaches and if this is not possible scrap the First Class coach and make them all standard so as to take more passengers.

Anybody wishing to board the train at the next stop – York would be lucky to get on and could well miss their flights.

This service in my eyes is an absolute shambles and not fit for purpose. The management should hang their heads in shame.

I speak from experience as I have travelled on it before.

John Rusby, Bishop Auckland