Hard decisions on rail await

TRAVELLING by bus between Largs and Ayr on a Sunday is only possible between nine and four o’clock, limiting the muchvaunted green travel so desired by the Scottish Government.

Now we face the alternative Sunday rail travel being disrupted by strike action (“Train drivers to be balloted on action”, The Herald, May 13); it is all going so well for the the nationalised service. Will the Scottish Government hold out for a realistic settlement or will it cave in to avoid toxic blame?

The rail unions hold all the aces but the Scottish Government must surely realise that a big percentage pay rise now is an even bigger percentage pay rise later with associated costs to running the business. And will it bring in all the freebie travel available on the buses?

Will it raise the fares to cover the additional costs?

Just how much can be shaken from the magic money tree?

Just how many plates can be spun on top of the poles by the First Minister?

Peter Wright, West Kilbride.