The Reader: Crossrail debacle is just one part of our rail crisis

The continued delays to Crossrail [Standard, August 21] are just part of a nationwide crisis in railway development. The high-speed line from London to Birmingham and beyond is being deferred even further into the future.

The completion of the Great Western and Midland electrification schemes has been cancelled, with the introduction of that ridiculous Seventies throwback the “bi-mode” train, which can take power either from a diesel engine or electrification — but when using the latter, is still lugging around the weight of the engine. As another example of the lack of joined-up thinking in naional policy, even new stretches of tramway in Birmingham are going ahead unelectrified, to placate uninformed aesthetes.

Here in London, getting Crossrail done will require a new approach by politicians, one taking railways seriously.
Charles E L Gilman

Dear Charles
I share your disappointment at the latest delay to Crossrail and agree that this and other rail improvements across the country remain as vital as ever, despite the recent drop in passenger numbers. Faster cross-country links, HS2, and better local services can all boost the country’s economic efficiency, help reduce pollution and make life easier for the people in the areas concerned, while London still needs projects such as the Bakerloo extension and other upgrades to go ahead.
Martin Bentham, Home Affairs Editor

The National Trust wants to reduce visitors’ journey times to its properties to help cut its climate impact. For most people the bulk of the distance (other than trips to properties close to home) involves travel to a region one is visiting on holiday or short breaks. How does the Trust think it can cut those journey lengths?
Jonathan Longstaff