LETTER:Fare's fair

From Mr Knowles Mitchell

Sir: Comments attributed to me by your Transport Correspondent (4 October), in connection with fare increases came, in fact, from my senior press officer, Ross Mackie.The new charges were subject to full consultation with the statutory rail user committees. Passengers' interest is well represented by the user committees, who are able to publicly challenge unreasonable increases at a time when disclosure of changes would no longer risk giving a commercial advantage to another transport operator.

An important feature of our fare changes is that the price of our most heavily discounted ticket, Apex, has been held and its availability has been extended to more places. Increases in the cost of first-class travel was preceded by a range of service enhancements, including complimentary drinks, free newspapers and books.

Yours sincerely,

Knowles Mitchell

Public Affairs Manager

Great Western

Swindon