It was predictable the Government has been forced to reduce rail subsidies. While buses provide free travel for senior citizens, train services are reduced (The Argus, March 18).

The journey takes three minutes between Hove and Brighton rail stations, which are about a mile apart. A senior citizen railcard holder gets a third off the rail fare with a single costing £2 and a return £2.10.

Between the two stations by bus there are seven bus stops, five traffic lights and a roundabout.

According to the timetable it takes seven minutes. Sadly, at Brighton station, there is a delay of up to 20 minutes when changing often underutilised coastway trains, as there has been no direct coastway train service across Brighton and Hove city since 2003.

It has caused much distress, losing South West Train's Brighton to Reading service on the West Coastway line. As if the coast road isn't already horrendous enough.

  • John Stanaway, Lorna Road Hove