I VISITED Birmingham on May 3. I'm aged 78 and I decided to go by train, leaving my car at Droitwich station.

This was my first rail journey in more than 40 years. Needless to say I was a little apprehensive.

I got on the return train at New Street station and after a couple of miles, there was a terrific bang when the window shattered.

The couple in the seat in front of me got up and brushed the pebbles of glass (like a shattered car windscreen) from their hair and clothes, then from the seats. A couple on the opposite side of the aisle flicked some glass pebbles from their laps.

The man working from his briefcase carried on working. One lady used her mobile phone to call her mum.

After several minutes, two of the crew came into the carriage, checked that no-one was injured, then asked everyone to move into the next carriage, apologising for the tight squeeze.

I found a seat and sat beside a gentleman who continued to gaze out of the window. People were reading and writing. Nobody asked why we were all joining them.

The damaged coach was sealed off and the train eventually continued. It was to me as if this was the norm.

I left the train at Droitwich, slightly amused and bewildered. It was so unreal. A missile had shattered a toughened glass carriage window.

Whoever threw the missile did not intend it to damage the train, but damage the passengers. If using public transport means running this sort of gauntlet, I'll go by car in future.

B Smith,

Droitwich Road,

Hanbury.