WHEN it comes to the railways, passengers don't really care who owns what.

They simply want to know that they can rely on a cost-effective service which runs on time and provides a decent standard of comfort.

We welcome the fact that the Government has announced a "radical" shake-up of the railways by unveiling plans to scrap the Strategic Rail Authority.

We welcome it on the grounds that the service is in dire need of an overhaul.

The Government is, of course, well versed in talking tough and setting targets.

But the root of the problems of the railways is in decades of under-investment in public transport.

And shifting responsibility from the private to the public sector will only make a meaningful difference if it is matched by a financial commitment.

Passengers may see a dim light at the end of the tunnel in the announcement by Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.

But their verdict will wait until they experience the proof of delivery.

The right trousers

SPORT is always enriched by characters who try to be out of the ordinary.

So what is wrong with Ian Poulter's flamboyant red, white and blue trousers?

Golf suffers from the perception that it is a game run by fuddy-duddy traditionalists who have had a sense of humour bypass.

We want youngsters to be encouraged to pick up golf clubs because the sport has a sense of fun and daring.

Those who picked up their telephones to complain about Poulter's patriotic dress sense yesterday should come out of their dark bunkers and get a life.