Network Rail’s chairman has addressed the issue of trust between the public and leaders in the rail industry.

People can generally feel sceptical about decisions and changes made in the rail industry, because they are not privy to the same information or expertise that forms these policies.

Passengers also tend to focus on what will benefit them immediately, with issues like punctuality, speed and low prices at the top of their agenda.

Rail leaders on the other hand, have to work with the bigger picture, and include construction projects, advances and rising costs into consideration.

Therefore it will always be difficult for the two to see eye to eye, and differences of opinion on how the railways should be run will continue to exist.

Yet Haythornthwaite’s suggestion that more discussion should be held, including the public, to improve this relationship is a bright one.

Clearer communication can only lead to greater transparency, a better grasp of the challenges the industry faces and ultimately a more positive experience for both parties.