Testing timetables

SIR – It’s not just in the South: Northern has introduced new rail timetables, some with major changes (report, May 21).

The printed ones are not available until June. If passengers don’t have internet access, or are not at a manned station, information will be difficult to obtain. As usual, the travelling public come last. P Armstrong

Bingley, West Yorkshire

SIR – I waited with excitement for the new timetables for trains to and from London Bridge station following its reconstruction. After two years of upheaval and delays, we battlehardened commuters have come to accept the cancellations and overcrowding necessary for the pursuit of progress on the rails.

The promise of a superior service has been honoured. Imagine my delight that a whole minute has been shaved off my train’s scheduled time. I wonder how many more improvements will be needed to bring the journey down from the latest 47 minutes to the 38 I enjoyed when I first donned my suit in 1990.

I will use my minute wisely each day, praying that I can afford the next fare increase in the name of progress. Simon Barker

Tunbridge Wells, Kent