With Govia taking over from Connex, there is an opportunity to rethink the design of the 1,000 new carriages promised in replacement of the old slam-door trains.

Connex had planned to introduce carriages like the underground-style train which was on display at Brighton last year.

These trains are only for short-distance travel and would have been completely unsuitable for routes such as South Coast Inter-City, where many journeys are 90 minutes or more.

In this design of train there is a lot of wasted space, which means fewer seats, even though they are more tightly packed.

The trains aren't even easy to get on and off, especially when platforms are low.

The hinged doors are an important safety feature. What is needed is a more up-to-date version of the trains now in service.

Govia needs to be firm with the train manufacturers and leasing companies and not accept whatever they offer.

-Henry Law, Queen's Gardens, Brighton