The east coast mainline is of course the prime example of this. But we need to guard against any romantic notions. The railways have their special problems like the other “unnatural monopolies”; for example, even where it is possible to have a choice of carrier over a given route, the pricing is fixed centrally. Gary OsborneKeighley, West Yorkshire• I hope the rebranding of the east coast mainline as London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) doesn’t bring with it the reputation it had when my father worked for it. Dr Nigel MellorNewcastle upon Tyne• I’m concerned that the trains on the east coast route may soon have so many coats of paint that they may not fit in the tunnels.

Source: The Guardian May 17, 2018 16:07 UTC