From
The HeraldBritain badly needs a joined-up transport policy
I AM inclined to believe that the formulation of transport policy in this country is now in the hands of the Keystone Kops. For example, you reported recently (July 26) that “new diesel and petrol cars and vans will be banned from 2040 as parts of efforts to tackle air pollution”. However, just the week before, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling sparked fury by scrapping rail electrification plans, most notably for the Great Western London- Swansea; Midland Main line, and Lake District lines, and proposing to order bi-mode (that is, diesel and electric) trains instead. One could simply not make it up.
-- Robert Campbell
THANK you for publishing letters recently about the need for reform of ScotRail's ticket pricing (Letters, July 24 & 25). I have approached my MSP▸ several times over the years about fare anomalies.
The replies, whatever the source, be it ScotRail, the Minister for Transport or Transport Scotland have all said that the majority of anomalies were inherited from previous franchise holders. I was assured by the then Minister for Transport that the Government would take the opportunity of the new franchise agreement to deal with fare anomalies.
-- Douglas Clark
I AM pleased that the recent survey showed an improvement in how rail commuters view their train service (“ScotRail back on track and travellers are a little happier”, The Herald, July 26). However I again bemoan the fact that the delay in the start of the electric service between Glasgow and Edinburgh means those travelling on the Glasgow to Wemyss Bay line will continue to have to put up with ancient coaches with no facilities. Never mind Wi-Fi, how about toilets?
-- Alison Masterson
Robert and Douglas go on to bemoan 40 year old stock, and fair anomalies that confirm that some things are consistent across Great Britain, such as inconsistencies in the fare system ... I now know to check splits when I travel from Elgin to Glasgow, just as I do when travelling from Melksham to Waterloo via Salisbury!
