In support of Gordon Casely's letter, can someone explain the logic and business case for split ticketing on rail journeys (January 4)?

I first came across this abuse of the travelling public when travelling to Forres for my mother-in-law's 90th birthday celebrations two years ago. Split ticketing would have saved the four of us travelling one-third of our £100 outlay.

I often travel to Edinburgh from Stonehaven and return the same day, usually in peak time, and I ask my employer to purchase the tickets in advance.

Recently I had to amend my travel arrangements, due to an adverse weather forecast, and bought an Aberdeen-Stonehaven return to add to my journey.

I was surprised when, combined with the Stonehaven to Edinburgh return, it cost about £9 less than an Aberdeen to Edinburgh return.

The business case is obvious – the rail company makes more money – but the logical (and moral) case is much less clear. Was it always thus; that is, pre-privatisation?

Willie Towers,

Scaraben,

Victoria Road,

Alford.