Austrian adventure

I am pleased that Christian Wolmar had a nice experience on the Austrian rail system, which was running almost to time and in the snow, too ( RAIL 873).

The train had buffets and at-seat refreshments for the passengers, and he cannot resist telling us the rail system is state-owned.

The train Mr W and his good lady caught was an international train, which had begun its journey in Zurich and was to end its journey in Vienna. Thus, it was an international train, and it is no surprise to me that it had splendid buffet arrangements.

I would venture to suggest that if the UK system was to become state-run, there would not be an outbreak of good service and trains running to time in four inches of snow. After five minutes of snow, the unions would be shouting about the safety implications for their members - perhaps even for the passengers too!

Mr Wolmar was also travelling in a region of Europe which experiences snow for about five months of every year, and is full of resorts built for those who like to take part in activities relating to winter sports.

Unlike the UK, where the fall of three snowflakes causes the ‘authorities’ to declare a national emergency, these countries and regions keep calm and carry on. Transport systems cope with snow - it happens every year.

People get on with their lives, although I found it a bit disconcerting stepping off a Vienna tram and onto the pavement to endure ice falling off the roofs of the large houses and buildings.

I believe the existing UK mindset will need to change, not the method of operating any system. A J Slatter, Surrey