NEWS that the number of journeys made on the Airedale and Wharfedale rail lines topped 10 million for the first time last year has left a bitter sweet taste in the mouths of supporters.

With up to 550 passengers commuting from Skipton to Leeds every day during peak hours and only 360 seats available, rail users believe longer trains could be the answer but platforms would have to be extended to accommodate them.

With the overcrowding comes an associated problem of over-flowing car parks, especially at Skipton and Steeton and Silsden, but also at Cononley.

Chairman of Aire Valley Rail Users' Group Tim Calow said the 10 million figure for 2005 was an increase of 4.4 per cent on 2004.

He added: "It is an example of what can be done with investment in the railway.

"Certainly, I have seen figures showing 75 per cent of Aire Valley commuters use the line to and from Leeds, which must be the highest amount outside of the London area."

But, Mr Calow admits it is a question of money when it comes to alleviating the problems that come with the success.

He said: "It's a question of weighing up the costs - it would be expensive to add extra coaches and nearly all of the stations would need to be extended.

"Another solution would be extra trains - neither solution is easy."

With regards to car parking, Mr Calow said: "Cononley's can get full and certainly Steeton car park is an issue.

"A lot of people from our area park at Steeton as it's easier to get to than Skipton. If they are travelling from the Grassington direction they think they may as well drive there.

"Skipton is one station where car parking is charged for. Charging for car parking is a sensitive issue and there are a mixture of views but the money could be used to invest in more car parking - it may be a way forward."

He also warned nightmare journeys would continue with extra housing development along the Aire Valley.

"We're not very good at getting ahead of the game," he added.

Mr Calow said the overcrowding and overflowing car parks were key issues for the group, but said members were "in limbo" as they were awaiting a Government review of Northern Rail, which operates the Airedale trains.

He said he hoped it would identify the need for investment.

He added: "We will certainly be keeping an eye on this and talking to MPs along the way."

A spokesman for Northern Rail said: "We are always looking at measures to increase car parking capacity in conjunction with Metro.

"We are aware of the line's popularity because the new trains have really encouraged people.

"The longest trains we operate are already in use on that line. It's ongoing, looking at ways of tackling the overcrowding but we're not in a position to say 'we will definitely do this' or 'we are going to do that'."

Metro's director general Kieran Preston said rail travel had doubled on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines since investment in electrification.

He said Metro fought hard a few years ago to secure an extra carriage for each train to create four-car units, but added that even those trains were now full during peak times.

Metro's 20-year transport plan for West Yorkshire, which is being drafted, is set to request Government funding for longer trains and platforms.