But 9pm is the latest Intercity train in the country (and 8:45 for the Enterprise). Do you think people in the UK would be impressed if they were told the last train from London to Manchester was at 9pm? I should think that "flagship" routes should run until at least 10pm, preferably 11pm, with second-tier routes running until 9pm.
If that means "basket jobs" in the short term until drivers can be trained, that's what we should have.
I know people from Belfast who travel to Dublin regularly and would love to take the train, but they can't because (a) it can't get them to Dublin in time for a 9am meeting, (b) it can't get them reliably in time for any meeting, and (c) if they want to stay for a drink in the evening they have to leave by about 8:15 (yes I know they can't drink and drive when travelling by car, but that's part of the point).
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