Off the rails

I AM no fan of Northern Rail, having coined the phrase ‘Never on right time, hardly ever really near’.

In grudging fairness, not all the problems are the company’s sole responsibility.

Some lines are difficult to work, with steep gradients, sharp curves, wet rails and awkward station stops.

Ancient rolling stock can’t meet the timetable when well loaded, even if run at full power continuously.

As a frequent user of Northern, I allow a delay of 90 seconds per station stop when planning appointments or connections.

You can forgive, or at least understand, late running. But far too many trains do not run at all.

For a recent holiday in the U. S., I opted to fly from Heathrow rather than Manchester, despite a direct rail service to Manchester Airport leaving from Carnforth Station directly opposite my house.

I was sure that Virgin would get me 250 miles to London, but I was not at all certain that Northern would get me 60 miles to Manchester.

If there is a less efficient, less reliable, less helpful rail operating company in Britain, put it out of its misery.

ALAN COX, Carnforth, Lancs.