The Network Card was introduced in British Rail days to encourage people to use off-peak trains throughout the South East.

When the network was dismantled and sold to the numerous operators favoured by the Tories, one promise made was the "Network Card is safe". Not so, it seems.

The operators calculate they are losing between £5 and £10 million per year - from shoppers, day trippers, people visiting elderly relatives and so on.

They complain the card encourages people to use discounted fares (so what is it supposed to be used for?). However, if they are converting discounted fares into full fares and rubbing their hands at the shortfall to be recouped, they are being naive because people will simply use trains less.

So if it is government policy - as claimed - to increase train use, Stephen Byers could rescue some of his tarnished reputation and shunt this crazy proposal into the sidings.

-Brian Snow, Margaret Street, Brighton