Leaving my 4x4 in the driveway, I headed for Angmering by train to visit an old colleague.

The journey was highlighted only by a glimpse of Simon Fanshawe assisting an elderly lady passenger into the First Class compartment.

This was Hove station on a Thursday morning. The return journey was, however, to prove far more interesting.

Being a frequent bus and occasional train user, I was taken aback when I boarded the South Central service to Brighton at 2.23pm.

Comfortable, smooth, clean and quiet - was this a train or a dream?

The only thing missing was the hostess to bring tea or coffee.

Ticket collector Darren dealt expertly with a few lads determined to beat him at his own game - they were ejected at Shoreham.

And why does the train not stop at Shoreham Airport?

This, though, is the future.

Like it or loathe it, we must all be flexible in our approach to getting around.

I am heartened to see, at last, some sort of indication that the investment required to enhance public transport is being made.

-David Bennett, Hove