We need to get back on track NOW

COMMUTING by train is becoming more of a trial than a joy. A shortage of staff, working to rule, and industrial action (one moment on, the next off) are making it impossible for many commuters to obtain the service they have paid for.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve sat on a train that terminated halfway to its intended destination because of staffing issues, causing widespread disgruntlement among travellers who were hoping to get to Manchester rather than be dumped in Birmingham.

I also had to abandon a planned weekend trip to a music concert in South West London because part of the journey involved a bus replacement service. The result? I wouldn’t have got home other than by Uber.

On numerous occasions in recent days I’ve turned up at my station only to discover that the train I intended to get on had either been cancelled or delayed. Frustrating, yes, although as of yet I haven’t been fobbed off with the excuse that a dear friend was given when travelling up from Chichester to London on business last week: that the delay to her train was a result of a trampoline being on the line.

We have enough issues to contend with besides a dysfunctional rail service. Friday’s news that rail union RMT has suspended strikes scheduled for this week is a step towards putting our trains back on track.