It can’t happen soon enough.

John Rolfe, London

Having so many TOCs does not provide competition, but very complex and expensive fare structures. They should all be merged into a publicly owned company.

Thomas Smith, Chesham

For too long the profits of these private companies have been fed back into the pockets of shareholders at the expense of the British public.

Richard Norris, Hull

Bring back British Rail.

Alan Hughes, Liverpool

Stop TOCs making massive profits at the expense of the public traveller whilst providing a far worse service.

Major Phil Stout, Sawbridgeworth

Not necessarily British Rail but we need a less fragmented railway.

Danny Read, Goole

Ever-rising prices, overcrowded trains and immense subsidies from taxes to fatten profits.

Chris Wrigley, West Bridgford

Trains are the only way I’ll be able to see my girlfriend for the next three years – but I’d rather not pay through the nose.

Robin Wilde, Kegworth

Even though the Tory government is in the process of privatising Royal Mail, there is still hope of re-nationalising the railways.

Gwynant Cwmbowydd, Nant Gwynant

Vital services like NHS, power, trains etc. should be run for the people they serve not for vast profit or obscene bonuses for directors.

James Gibson, Irvine

East Coast line is encouraging if it could be reproduced throughout the network.

Derek Lowe, Knaresborough

Bring it back now to the people not shareholders, i.e. Conservatives.

David Smith, Ross-on-Wye

Half empty first class seats, standing only on certain routes with above inflation ticket prices. Compare East Coast financial figures with franchises. No contest.

Danny Kearney, London

Bring back British Rail.

Belinda Wiggs, Sheffield

I believe that privately run trains do not have the customer’s comfort at heart and just want to make as much profit out of us. We want reasonably priced tickets.

Paul Taylor, Sheffield

It only makes sense, operate like DB and see success like East Coast and London Overground, bringing in huge sums if money.

Stan Fay, London

About time.

Bess Britton, Ripon

I love train travel and see it as an essential public service – not a private business. A nationalised rail network makes perfect sense.

Glyn Roberts, London

Seriously, bringing back British Rail is a no-brainer.

Michael Robbins, Crewe

There was never a problem with British Railways before it was privatised. Bring Back British Rail or lose the next election. It’s the Government’s choice now.

Royston Smith, Gloucestershire

If we are trying to live a greener life and one that is not too costly then why are we privatising?

Esther Lusty, Durham

The service is terrible, confusing and incredibly expensive. Fix this awful rail system and help the UK work.

Jeremy Wildeman, Exeter

Privatisation is an utter shambles.

Ian Walker, Milton Keynes

Waiting between trains is too long, when trains are cancelled they just leave you at the station. Train fares are too steep in price.

John Dawes, Exeter

Other countries held on to their systems – Deutsche Bahn, SNCF etc. Our system did not have to be split.

Peter Corrie, Lisburn

East Coast is a success, keep it public, use this as a template for other parts of the network.

Jerome Lejeune, London

The service across the Chiltern Railways line has been disintegrating steadily and consistently over many years. The current service shows the results of underinvestment.

Joanne Smalley, Beaconsfield

Now there is the opportunity to bring British Rail back.

Moya Berry, Manchester

Let’s show some courage and invest in public transport.

Christopher White, Bristol