West Dorset MP Chris Loder doth protest too much (MP’s column, Bridport News, last week).
As a Conservative MP and rail man he knows only too well why rail services are being cut.
A fragmented system and years of underfunding have devastated our railways. South Western Railway is owned by FirstGroup, an Aberdeen-based company, and MTR, a Hong Kong-based company.
The purpose of these companies is to pay dividends to their shareholders.
Not only are our services being cut, we pay on average 30 per cent more than other countries in Europe.
During the pandemic, rolling stock companies, who own the trains, have paid out millions to their shareholders. Train travel has become unreliable and is getting worse.
The Treasury is looking to make more cuts. Since much of the cost of railways is in fixed overheads, this will means further reduced services.
In a recent poll, 64 per cent of voters said they want a well-funded integrated rail system.
Over to you, Mr Loder.
Simon Hurdley
Bridport
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