Beleaguered train operator Arriva has come under fire from frustrated passengers and staff after announcing hefty profits.
Arriva, which runs services linking York with Manchester, Liverpool, Hull and Newcastle, has unveiled profits of more than £50 million.
Arriva Trains managed a profit of more than £5.5 million despite an increasing number of cancelled services and delays.
Services have been axed as drivers have moved to other train operators, and unions are threatening strike action over unequal pay.
One driver, who asked not to be named, told the Evening Press: "Maybe if they spent some of their profit on us, they wouldn't be in this mess."
An Arriva spokesman said: "These people's feelings are understandable but not fair.
"Any company running this franchise would have experienced these same problems. We have been investing in the franchise. But there is a long way to go."
Updated: 10:50 Friday, September 07, 2001
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