The communications director of Connex (Opinion, August 3) claims the new Brighton line trains will only have 15 fewer seats per carriage than the class 423 stock they are intended to replace.

That still amounts to a loss of 180 seats in a 12-car train.

The so-called "priority seats" are about 12 inches closer together than in the first-class compartments in the old trains, as well as being four inches narrower. The spacing of the priority seats is no better than standard-class seats in the old trains and remaining seats are a lot more tightly packed.

The letter claims the trains are designed for "easier access and circulation at busy times" - but the class 423 has a door to every seating bay.

The letter also suggests wide sliding doors make it easier to get on and off the train. This shows a failure to observe what passengers actually do. Many hold on to the open door for support when stepping over the gap between the platform and the train, while the narrow doorway provides safe handholds on both sides when alighting.

The new trains have been designed for the convenience of the train manufacturers and train leasing companies, in total disregard of the needs of the travelling public.

-Henry Law, Address supplied