Sir - Following your editorial of March 2, may I join you in congratulating Ox Rail Action on its report into First Great Western (FGW) train services between Oxford and London?

I wonder how much of their report would have been necessary had the Transport Users Consultative Committees still been operating. Although shortcomings in FGW's services are apparent, much relates to franchise conditions that are imposed on them and other train companies by the Department for Transport. These franchises even limit the number of coaches the train companies can run, with the crazy result that new and unused trains are sitting in sidings around the country, whilst commuters are packed into short trains like sardines. When will the Government take the need for safe, energy-efficient transport seriously and reform the rail system? We require a properly accountable and efficient rail service, instead of being Europe's poor transport relative.

David Eldridge,Secretary, Railfuture, Thames Valley Branch, Berinsfield