I read that rail workers are to be provided with DNA testing kits as "there are few things worse than having spit in your face" (The Argus, August 12). Oh yes there are.

For example, waiting on baking platforms while indicator boards tell you trains are expected "on time" minutes after they were due to have departed despite the train not even having arrived at the station.

Or sitting on trains without air conditioning while on a go-slow because the tracks in this country seem unable to cope with occasional high temperatures.

Some staff have such attitude that a polite inquiry about why a train has been cancelled is greeted with the sort of abuse which, if thrown back at them, might result in a report being made to the transport police.

Our rail system is not just a shambles in terms of rolling stock and high fares.

Some of the staff who work on platforms and at station kiosks are themselves abusive and rude.

Many are polite and as helpful as they can be but, sadly, not the majority.

Perhaps local rail companies can explain why they refused to run extra services during the weekend of Pride.

Tens of thousands of people's weekend was ruined because of lack of services, locked toilets and lack of staff to explain anything.

-David Gold, Kemp Town, Brighton