We need a joined-up service.

Linda Cornall, Peterborough

It’s about time.

Gemma Fisher, Kent

We need a unified, affordable and expanded railway network run in the interests of the public not to increase the profits of Stagecoach and their ilk.

Peter Challis, Oxford

An affordable and functional public transport system is necessary for a nation to thrive.

Dave Lee, Dartford

We need to bring back British Railways, not British Rail. We need to reverse Beeching and build new, specific high-speed lines to increase capacity.

Joseph Kendall, Liverpool

The current state of the UK’s privatised rail systems exposes the gruesome lie that privatised everything is more efficient and delivers a better service. Re-nationalise.

Andrew Lambkin, Malvern

I’d like to see the railway in public ownership again – in Germany as well as in the UK.

Marko Lauten, H

We are fed up with all these fat cats which are lining their pockets with lots of money. Let the people run the railways and you will see the improvements they bring.

Claudia Bultman, Gravesend

Why are my taxes going towards subsidising private companies? Our taxes should be spent for the benefit of us all, and not on a few fat cat exploiters.

Peter Howard, London

British Rail was one of the strongest emblems of national identity Britain had. If our country isn’t over by Sept 19, Milliband, bring BR back.

Alice Cochrane, Brora

This is overdue because of profiteers on the line.

Stephen McGinley, London

If the government cared about what the British public wanted, then the railways would be nationalised.

Lily Bea Mather-Dearden, Wellingborough

Please bring back British Rail, as it is getting absolutely expensive now to go by train. The companies are putting the prices up and the railways are not up to scratch.

Stephen Clutterbuck, Upton-upon-Severn

British Rail was safer. The rail system we have now is dangerous.

David Butcher, Carlisle

Service for the customer not the shareholder.

Douglas Howard, London

Let’s do this as the British people together. Whoever thought splitting it up was a sensible idea?

Sue Dean, Warwick

It should never have been sold in the first place.

Andrew Byers, Newport

It’s long overdue to stop the con of privatisation.

Isabella Willis, Crewkerne

Let the railways be run for the passengers and not for the shareholders.

Louise Ffoulkes, London

Taking the train between Scotland and London has just become unaffordable for me.

Martyn Bissett, Stirling

The railways are a public good and should be run as such.

Peter Critchley, St Helens

Is it really going to make a difference or help the elderly with their travel? Let’s hope so.

Josie Matthews, Nottingham

If so many European countries believe their railways should be nationalised, why should Britain not follow their wisdom?

Arn Dekker, Cambridge

21st century and our transport system is a shambles. There’s a lesson here – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Definitely don’t sell it.

Victoria Maclean, Telford

The present system is completely unacceptable.

Chris Bhamra, Sheffield

Enough of the insanity.

Colin Raven, Manchester

Bring back a real rail service instead of the disgraceful, inept, chaotic, money-grabbing, rip-off amalgam of companies who value only short-term profit.

Martin Cooper, London

Our railways are a public service and should not be used to generate profit for private companies and shareholders.

Greg Hudson, London