Sir, - I must comment on Dr Sean Barrett's positive comments on rail privatisation (March 16th) which, as an economist, he has made solely on the grounds of increased rail use.
Having used the rail service in central Scotland regularly since the late 1980s, since privatisation I have experienced a deterioration in the quality of service and soaring ticket prices. The exception is the Glasgow to Edinburgh service, which has received substantial investment, although the service still has not been without problems.
Of more concern are well documented reports about safety standards and levels of investment in safety. I must conclude that if rail privatisation in Scotland has perhaps not been a disaster, it has certainly not been a success. - Yours, etc.,
J Graeme Campbell, ARICS, Dublin, 1.