Sir – The Haslemere Herald (April 10) in the article 'Anniversary train to steam into town' kindly quoted me as saying "While not advocating a return to steam traction on the line, the sight of those splendid carriages will serve to highlight the recent sharp decline in rail passenger comfort".
Perhaps your readers would like an explanation of what I meant by the sharp decline in rail passenger comfort.
Following the welcome demise of the time expired "slam door" electric trains in late 2004, South West Trains (SWT) ran an excellent fleet of mainline expresses through Haslemere with the 1980s Wessex Electrics and new white Desiro trains. Sadly, this service was severely degraded in 2006 when SWT renewed their franchise and promptly removed 35 per cent of its mainline express rolling stock. The blue Desiro suburban trains arrived in their place, with uncomfortable 3+2 seating in Standard class and total lack of either leg-room or luggage space, to usurp 50 per cent of the services.
Local MPs, SWT and Passenger Focus received a deluge of complaints from Haslemere travellers angered by these trains, which both the Government and manufacturers only ever intended for short London suburban journeys.
Reactions to this penny-pinching move have to date been completely ignored by SWT who continue to cite a need to alleviate overcrowding. In reality only five per cent of weekly services are busy and train lengths have even been shortened this year to match the subsequent loss of passengers.
Haslemere has always been proud of its good rail connection with the capital city. Local residents who share disappointment about the new service should contact HRUG on [email protected]">[email protected].
Your support would be welcomed.
Martin Odell, secretary,
Haslemere Rail Users' Group