I'd contest Polly Toynbee's use of "near-cartel" to describe the rail industry (Ed Miliband has been proven right: fairness does matter, 10 January). Competition does exist on the railways. When bidding for passenger rail franchises, competition is real and fierce as operators vie with each other to provide the best services for passengers at the best value for the taxpayer. This continues during a franchise as operators seek to improve their chance of regaining the contract when it is re-let.
On many routes, ticket prices are kept down because train companies compete with each other and other forms of transport. People travelling from London to Birmingham have the choice of three rail operators, or they can go by coach or car. Where choice is more limited, fares are heavily regulated by the government. Train companies' principal interest is to keep on attracting passengers – something they have been successful at by offering value-for-money fares and services that continue to improve. That is good news for the economy, when the country needs the private sector to help boost growth.
Michael Roberts
Chief executive, Association of Train Operating Companies
