Letter: Turn of the year

Sir: Ian Campbell comments that "over the Christmas period travel by rail has been impossible" (letter, 30 December). One reason has been the lack of any Christmas timetable available to the public.

In previous years free timetables have been available. The notice at my local station indicates that a modified service is running over Christmas and the New Year, but gives no clue as to what these modifications may be. Ring the national rail inquiry number and you are greeted with a recorded message to the effect that because of adverse weather conditions in Scotland and the North of England, all lines are busy.

Am I being over-cynical in thinking that train operators are looking for an excuse (few passengers) to cut down even further the services over Christmas and New Year? And if train times are not publicised, how can you complain about cancellations and delays?

SUSAN WATKIN

Lincoln