WE suspect that the long-suffering commuters in and out of London are shedding no tears at the news that Connex is to lose its rail franchise in London and the South-East.

In passing judgement on the performance of Connex, the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) chairman Richard Bowker did not mince his words. "I am not putting any more taxpayers' money into a company in which we have lost total confidence."

It is somewhat surprising, therefore, that Mr Bowker is prepared to even consider a bid by Connex to take over the running of the trans-Pennine route.

Surely, he can have little or no expectation that Connex will improve on its disastrous performance in the South-East.

Why should North-East passengers have to put up with an operator considered unfit to run a service in the South-East?

Legal requirements may prevent Mr Bowker from removing Connex from the trans-Pennine bidding process.

But it is to be hoped that the Connex application will not be given serious consideration.

The trans-Pennine route is a vital part of the infrastructure of the North-East economy. It is in urgent need of investment and improvements.

Our region will have no confidence in the future of the service if it is entrusted to a company which has tested the faith of the SRA and the rail commuters of the South-East to breaking point.