I WRITE in response to your editorial on February 13 about the rail refranchising process which cites Arriva as having 'one of the worst records around'.

When we were awarded the franchise it had been run down and staffing levels had been reduced by 40 per cent by the previous owners. It was critically understaffed, had insufficient rolling stock and a serious maintenance backlog.

Since then, we have embarked on one of the largest driver recruitment and training programmes ever seen in the industry. The results of this work are now beginning to bear fruit. We will be restoring 97 per cent of services from today. From June 2 Arriva Trains Northern services will be fully reinstated. We believe no other operator could have worked to resolve these problems better than we have.

Arriva is now developing its shortlisted proposals for the TransPennine Express franchise to meet the Strategic Rail Authority's specifications. We will also be bidding to retain the Arriva Trains Merseyside franchise in addition to bidding for the new Northern and Wales and Borders franchises and will consider other opportunities as they arise.

There should be no doubt about our commitment to the future of the rail industry and to providing the level of service our customers expect and deserve.

Euan Cameron,

Managing Director,

Arriva Trains.

Updated: 10:37 Monday, February 25, 2002