I make a number of points to correct the impression left in your rather strident leader - (GNER Should Give Fare Shares, Evening Press, December 30) - that GNER ignores York in its promotions.

York rail travellers enjoy a great deal with GNER, a range of promotions and one of the best rail services in the country with fast, frequent, clean and comfortable services to London and Scotland.

There are two cheaper return fares to London than the Apex fare quoted in the accompanying article. These are £26 for a Daypex and £31 for a Bargain fare.

Promotional activity in any business - rail, air, coach, hotel etc - attempts to stimulate extra custom where and when needed, and in relation to competitor activity. GNER's regular, annual North-East and Scotland to London promotion, aims to do just that encouraging more people to switch from both road and air to rail and to travel on off-peak trains.

I hope the profile you are able to give to our current Over 50s promotion and the new £79 return fare from York to Paris, Brussels and Lille will counterbalance your very selective leader article.

GNER has a great relationship with York. We bring almost a million people here every year who contribute significantly to the local economy.

GNER passengers enjoy the best journey experience of any mainland train operator, according to a recent national passenger survey. As a major employer in the community we're proud of our links with York. And we've put forward exciting plans to further improve services.

Alan Hyde,

Corporate Affairs Manager, GNER,

Station Road, York.

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