Network Rail’s announcement of a profit is to be welcomed as it is a Government-owned company and any loss would have to be made up by the taxpayer.

What is not good news is that the train operating companies, which own the majority of the stations, are being allowed to raise fares by 3 per cent above inflation for the next three years.

We already have the highest fares in Europe.

More people are using public transport and in the present climate the Rail Regulator should not allow this unnecessary increase.

Is this the price we pay for privatisation?

David Barratt
Southbourne Grove
Westcliff