IT is a great blow to rail users that an application submitted by Grand Central Railway Co Ltd to run a high quality train service across the Pennines on the Calder Valley line through York has been turned down by the Rail Regulator ('Cut-price rail trip hopes dashed', June 21).

The Strategic Rail Authority, likewise based in London, objected that revenue could be taken from existing subsidised railway companies on the route.

Grand Central Trains, like Green Express Railtours, are not state supported and would have to earn a living by aiming at those who do not use public transport attracting new users to the Calder Valley Line. (If a few users of the local service swap to Grand Central, why not? Railways are privatised and a bit of competition is healthy.)

But with a congested M62 this is where the business would come from. Six thousand vehicles use the Leeds-bound M62 in the morning rush-hour. The Highways Agency is looking at increasing capacity on the M62 with road traffic forecast to grow by 27 per cent in seven years. A move they don't particularly wish to do, because they know this will generate more road traffic. But options are limited when doubling of rail passenger numbers would not relieve the congestion.

Why should Government bodies in London turn down a truly inspirational plan to revitalise the Calder Valley Rail service, taking traffic off the M62, with direct quality trains travelling York to Leeds, Wakefield, Brighouse, Rochdale, Manchester, Bolton, Preston and Newcastle as well as providing 50 new worthwhile jobs?

They should be given a chance. Grand Central are putting up their own money to run the service, if it fails there is no loss to the taxpayer. If they do well everyone is a winner - rail and road user, the environment and those who live near the M62 who don't want more traffic.

Nick Harvey,

Proprietor, Green Express Railtours,

Byram Arcade,

Westgate, Huddersfield.

Updated: 11:12 Friday, June 25, 2004