[iknowwhereiamgoing]

My, this is all so depressing!! Other countries have had express buses and trains in competition, The train is almost always the more expensive, but most people continue to prefer the train. I know I would rather spend three hours on a train than two on a bus any day. The railways need investment to increase line speeds but also good timetables and conections with feeder lines and other forms of transport. Most people take buses for their cheaper prices rather than for any other reason. Most people enjoy train travel but how many feel the same about bus or coach travel. Someone mentioned that in Germany that long distance coach services were not allowed to compete with the railways Perhaps that should be considered here, but only after proper investment in the railways in both infrastructure, timetabling and a more adventurous fares policy. The railways are important for the future, don't give up on them, fight for investment. Lift this dark cloud.