Letter: Rail privatisation starts to work

Sir: I must set the record straight regarding comments attributed to me by Christian Wolmar ("Rail privatisation will never benefit users", 20 May).

Rail privatisation is still in its early stages, so it is not surprising that new benefits for passengers are not yet in evidence. Many improvements which we have seen over the last two years are the result of decisions taken by Train Operating Companies still under BR management.

There is, however, now real momentum in the privatisation process and tangible improvements are coming through to the benefit of passengers as a result of the new industry structure. We want passengers to benefit from the opportunities which the new arrangements bring; promises must be realised.

My emphasis was "no benefits yet", certainly not "no benefits ever".

DAVID BERTRAM

Chairman

Rail Users' Consultative Committee

London EC2