My wife and I recently returned from China. While there, we went by train from Shanghai to Hangzou.

The journey takes approximately two hours and the 8:03 commuter train released its brakes in Shanghai Station as the platform clock changed from 8:02:59 to 8:03:00.

The train was busy but we had bought seat tickets the day before (for £1.83 each), just in case it got full.

The train was spotless, air-conditioned and equipped with electronic doors. The ride was almost silent and totally smooth - oh, and guess what? The toilets worked fine.

I wonder if Southern should take a look at this so-called "developing country" and see how a real railway service is run.

It is obvious the Chinese have invested significant amounts to mobilise their people with up-to-date equipment but Southern has also spent huge sums on new stock.

The problems most commuters encounter here are more to do with lethargic mind-sets than lean budgets.

-Tony Davies, Shoreham