UK private rail companies receive more subsidies than British Rail ever did. I say re-nationalise the railways and run them to cover costs only.

Patrick Iredale, Hockley

No better service since the privatisation. More people travelling and not enough carriages. The fees have gone up so much for a service that we are not getting.

Nicky Wilson, Ipswich

As a very frequent user of busy East Coast Trains which is now profit making, I feel the country should benefit, instead of private companies.

Eileen Nicholas, Melrose

27 years on the railway from the original British Rail to Vtec. How can you privatise East Coast who made millions for the government? Reverse the decision.

David Owen, Peterborough

You know it makes sense.

Frances McNeil, Leeds

East Coast experience shows it can be done.

Mary Griss, Darlington

I’m sickened of being ripped off by shareholders, tax-dodging corrupt companies, and getting very poor customer service in return. Audit of the whole organisation now.

Ann Madine, Sandy

Keep British Rail as one.

M Spencer, Lutterworth

Our rail network should be seamless and better regulated for the benefit of the customers, not shareholders.

Rosemary Morgan, Birmingham

Monopoly services should not be in private hands, particularly when they are essential. The money we pay in fares and subsidies should not contribute to private profit.

David Willingham, Eastbourne

We should re-nationalise not only British Rail but the Post Office, the Electricity and Gas companies and London Transport etc.

Sue Brown, Bishops Stortford

Most definitely.

Elaine Walters, London

Please re-nationalise this much needed service and enable daily commuters, regular travellers and visitors to the UK enjoy an efficient joined-up transport service for all.

Phyllis Steel, Rothesay

All public transport should belong to the public.

Bernard Wadeson, Bangor, Gwynedd

The Conservative party created this situation and are now not doing anything to protect the consumer from profiteering rail barons. Everyone needs to know this.

Andrei Woodgate, Dunstable

We need a subsidised system of travel to help get us to work – not delay and tax us.

Paul Rum, Hove

Bring the railways back into public ownership. They are a national asset, not something to be traded and put into the hands of foreign railway operators.

Robert Davison, Newtownards

I would like to see more investment in the railways and for the railways to do more research and development as well being able to build locomotives.

David Dilnot, Oswestry

The idea of rail travel was to enable lots of people to travel cheaply, comfortably, safely, and on time. It was for people, not profit. That should still be the aim.

William Markham, Darlington

We should make sure that the people who own the railways, i.e. the public, should be British.

Joel Sargeant, Narre Warren

Give people the incentive to ditch their cars and be more environmentally friendly.

Christine Cooney, Chippenham

I can’t contemplate using the railways again, ever.

Geoff Cook, Calne

Yes, get rid of private rail companies.

Betsy Barker, Berwick-upon-Tweed

I have just travelled on a very overcrowded train from Leeds to Manchester with 3 coaches instead of the booked 6.

Peter Pilbeam, Stockport

I believe that it is very important to have a unified, not-for-profit railway sytem to provide travel at reasonable cost..

Derek Bibb, Glasgow

I have worked within the current system and have seen the franchising farce first hand. Bring back fairness for the rail user. Bring back British Rail.

Sean Neagle, Exeter

Our rail service is very unreliable, expensive and non-too-clean. I would like it to be run for the users, not shareholder profits.

Susannah Lord, Norwich

East Coast shows it works. Please let common sense prevail.

Colin Bayly, Surbiton

Bring back British Rail.

Brian Talbot, Hebden Bridge