BARNSLEY commuters face two of the ten most overcrowded train journey's in the country.

Custom on the 7.31am Barnsley to Leeds is 57 per cent over its seating capacity and the 7.14am Sheffield to Leeds travels with 53 per cent more passengers than seats.

The figures were released this week by Trans 2000, which is campaigning for better public transport.

A spokesman for the group said Northern Rail is doing its best to increase capacity but is not receiving the financial help it needs from the government.

She added: “Passengers don’t like overcrowded trains, the conditions are uncomfortable and there are issues involving personal space and privacy.” The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive is looking into the matter and hopes to find a solution.

Northern Rail has announced it will introduce new trains to Yorkshire and SYPTE bosses hope some of these can be used on the Leeds - Sheffield fast service.

A SYPTE spokesman added: “In December 2008 the Leeds - Sheffield fast service will be expanded by 50 per cent when new services to Nottingham are introduced.

“In the meantime, we are working with Northern Rail to explore other ways that capacity can be increased on services through Barnsley.”