THE decision to end Arriva Trains' franchise to run the rail service between Skipton and the metropolitan areas is bizarre, even perverse.

Had this come three years ago, then it would have been understandable, indeed welcome.

But since Arriva's "annus horribilis" enormous strides have been taken. Anyone who has caught one of their trains in the last couple of years would admit that they are clean, reliable, modern. This is a company which has turned its performance round.

Yet, the Strategic Rail Authority has decided that Arriva's franchise, which expires next year, will not be renewed. Instead two other rival companies will slug it out.

Commuters have every reason to be wary of the change just as Arriva appears to have shown it has learnt how to run a good service. Will their enthusiasm and commitment wane over the coming months as their time runs out? Will the temptation be to make as much money as possible in the remaining weeks of the franchise? Will the new operators have the expertise and local knowledge to maintain and even improve the service from the very first day?

These are serious questions and Airedale line commuters can be forgiven for a sense of unease.

Better the devil you know.