CALLS are being made for measures to reduce overcrowding on the Wharfedale line.

Guiseley and Rawdon Labour Party wants to see the introduction of longer trains from Ilkley to Leeds and Bradford.

The group is arguing that while passenger numbers are rising steadily there are no extra carriages, meaning commuters are paying higher fares than ever for a “jam-packed” journey.

The Labour Party branch is urging Northern Railway’s Managing Director David Brown to present the company’s plans for the line at a public meeting in Guiseley.

Chairman Andy Thomson and Secretary Kirsty McKay say despite publicity about Northern Railway’s new trains, there are still no specific plans to improve the Wharfedale line with additional carriages and longer platforms.

The claim the Ilkley line last received new trains under the previous Labour Government, but say with ever-increasing passenger numbers, further investment is urgently needed. They are accusing Northern Rail of introducing fare increases, a “punitive penalty fares regime” and attempts to remove the safety-critical guard from trains.

Kirsty McKay said: “Time and again we hear about people’s experiences on the Wharfedale line and the increasing difficulty of squeezing on to overcrowded trains. We believe that fare-paying passengers deserve a seat and a comfortable journey.”

Andy Thomson added: “As a passenger on the Wharfedale line I have seen our trains become busier every year. Fares have gone up but there have been no improvements for many years now. My concern is that instead of more carriages, we will see seats removed to create more standing room. We challenge Northern Railway to commit to delivering the capacity improvements that are now urgently needed.”

Guiseley and Rawdon Labour Party has written to Mr Brown outlining residents’ concerns, challenging him to commit to providing longer trains and inviting him to speak in Guiseley.

A spokesman for Northern said: “Our modernisation plans are progressing well with almost £500m of new trains under construction, 70 refurbished trains now out on the network, and £7m spent so far in upgrading our stations which includes new ticket vending machines.

“We will also be operating 2,000 extra services every week by 2020 which will help to ease any capacity concerns and give more journey options.

“By the end of 2019 all of the Pacer trains will have been removed with them replaced by either the new fleet, or the refurbished trains. Both will bring passenger comfort to new levels.”