Sir - Today, seeking a timetable for the Cotswold Line to Malvern, I called in at Oxford rail station. The inside was dim and bleak and the former area of the travel centre was boarded up. It bore a notice indicating that it was being refurbished so I held out hope for the future.

The racks in the centre, formerly filled with assorted timetables, carried only a few for routes from Birmingham.

I turned for help to a young member of staff whose job appeared to be scrutinising the actions of people struggling with ticket machines. He led me to the enquiry desk only to find its shutter firmly closed. As a last resort he advised me to go to a ticket desk but all had long queues.

My hope of a refurbished travel centre were dashed when he said it was being replaced by toilets!

I abandoned the place and decided we would drive to Malvern at known cost and travelling door-to-door at a time of our own choosing.

Now we hear that railway fares are to rise, generally at a rate higher than inflation.

I believe the Prime Minister made a statement recently that more money would be put into the railways. Alas, he is too late.

David Butler, Kennington