Letter: Virgin rail fares

Sir: We normally respect Randeep Ramesh's reporting of the transport industry but on this occasion (report, 18 September) he's gone off the rails.

The fare changes he reports on took place four months ago, soon after we'd taken over the franchise, not this week.

We reduced fares for people who booked by 2pm the day before to encourage advance bookings so we could guarantee them a seat. We have just completed taking on and training 300 people in Edinburgh to enable them to do so for the price of a local call (telephone 0345 222 333).

BRIAN BARRETT

Chief Executive, Virgin Rail

London W8