Privatise the railways they said, as competition increases efficiency and drives down costs, they said.

Richard Miles, Leeds

It’s disgusting that it costs more to travel by train than plane than in nearly every other country in the world, while getting such poor service.

Cliff Askey, London

The rail industry needs to be back in the hands of the public purse and not the money-making private sector.

Ian Fincher, London

Better train transport is vital to cut emissions and pollution and improve accessibility for people outside cities. Profits should be re-invested to develop a bigger network.

Fiona Maclennan, Dunfermline

Consistent fare rises above CPI, without improvements to justify them, while farepayers’ wages remain stagnant. This has to end now.

Jack Harding, London

Listen to the public. This has gone on for long enough.

Andy Moore, Penzance

Re-nationalise Britain’s railways. BBBR.

John O’Neill, Glasgow

Please bring back BR.

Gill Boden, Cardiff

Good nationalised public transport is essential to any civilisation.

Linda Duckenfield, Sheffield

If we are subsidising a railway, should we not own and control it?

Malcolm Young, Sittingbourne

They should not have sold it in the first place.

Steve Burnell, Weston-super-Mare

Privatisation hasn’t worked for the national good.

Michael Young, London

British Rail is the only way.

Colin Smith, Derby

Back to running for people not profit.

K Sayer, Leamington Spa

This is a public service and shouldn’t be run for private profit. Why should there be profits when most services are overcrowded, understaffed, out-of -date and running late.

Suzi Boardman, Bolton

Privatisation has been a disaster for passengers (not customers). Let common sense overcome ideology.

Robert Meyrick, Nottingham

Not for profit public services.

Daniel Northover, Liverpool

14 hours stuck on a train ruined my Christmas.

Colin Nichols, London

The railways are a complete joke. We need action as soon as possible. Worst railway in the world. How much more money can you bleed from the public pockets?

Nicky Edwards, St Albans

Privatises utilities such as the rail network. Operators are massively subsidised by the taxpayer. The benefits should be given to the travelling public, not shareholders.

Patricia Saunders, Barnsley

I totally agree. Not because the old BR was brilliant, but because it can be.

Peter Nicholls, Stoke-on-Trent

Privatisation has failed the passengers and serves only the shareholders of the rail companies. Re-nationalised and run efficiently East Coast line shows public success.

Simon Bell, Torpoint

Rail services need to be delivered by a unitary authority which will save duplication, increase safety for employees and passengers and focus upon developing services.

Chris Brown, Wimborne Minster

East Coast has given more revenue in three years back to the government than Branson has in 10 years, They are a model company that should have been the bench-mark.

Charles Chell, Peterborough

Total rip-off – the cost for rail travel has gone up too fast and the service goes the other way.

David Watts, Harrow Weald

The rash of privatisations which started in the 1980s has impoverished many people and failed to deliver good, or even adequate, services for all.

Margaret Green, Glasgow

Travelling around the UK, whether for leisure, work or family visits, should not be costed at such a high price as to be prohibitive without booking weeks in advance.

Cameron Sanderson, London

Increase rolling stock and reduce fares for everyone. Link into the EU rail network, to give more choice to all.

Robert Myrie, London

Bring back British Rail is very important. Safety, cheaper rail fares are needed.

Barry Norman, Milton Keynes

It’s been over-priced for far too long. People should not be financially punished for not booking early.

Yan Yates, Middlesbrough