We simply must re-nationalise to guarantee fair fares for all.

Callum Smith, London

If the government needs 70+ academic reports and a year’s success in Oz to put cigarettes in plain boxes, where is the similar level of proof that rail privatisation works?

Julian Srodecki

Economy class is always absolutely packed.

Joseph Wasnock, Welwyn Garden City

Re-nationalise our assets.

Linda Barker, Leeds

All privatisation is robbery, making people pay twice for the service. Otherwise fares would get cheaper and they don’t.

Michael Burrows, Swansea

I am absolutely disgusted as these corporations have left the average Joe to suffer ridiculous rates.

Nadir Khan, London

Any profits should be ploughed back into the business – not shared out amongst already fat fat-cats,

Andy Meikle, Bexleyheath

In order to get a joined up approach to routes, safety, running times, rural service etc. – we need nationalisation.

Maggi Bevan, Reading

The British railway system should be in public hands. Most of what was closed by Beeching should be re-opened, as people live in those isolated places now with poor public transport.

David Kent, Prescot

I’ve travelled on GNER, National Express and ECML and the service is better in public hands. Keep it that way.

Peter Burns, Gateshead

The East Coast line has proved that it can work and would work. Also they should kick this high speed rubbish in touch as well.

Joseph Bown, Chesterfield

Let’s put passengers before shareholders’ dividends

Stephen Clandfield, London

We’re paying for the service and for the profits for the rich.

Alex Granville, London

The Intercity 125 and 225 trains are still top thanks to British Rail.

Thomas Coyle

Bring Back BR.

Mahmoud Cassim, Tranent

It’s a national disgrace that a profit-making line be put into the hands of the City instead of being used to ensure a better service. That’s typical of Cameron.

Barry Footers, Skegness

£249 for return from London to Leeds. Privatisation of the rail networks just doesn’t work in the best interests of the public.

Daniel Whatmuff, London

Run railways like the East Coast line that is efficient, effective, comfortable, reliable and staffed by pleasant and good-humoured people and makes a profit. Do it now.

Michael Morgan, Doncaster

Compare with any other railway in Europe, all state run and better.

Jonathan Wise, Dursley

Profits would be better used on more trains, services and tracks alongside current lines. No to HS2.

Steve Clarke, Milton Keynes

Privatisation has delivered disjointed services and poor value for money. We can do better than this.

Rona Sharp, Ipswich

As a regular user of the East Coast line, I fervently want the line to remain in public hands.

Marie Hughes, Southwell

And the bacon sandwiches!

Colin Foxton, Northallerton

Let us see a genuine transport system made for the 21st Century. Britain is way behind Europe in rail travel. Think people not profit.

John Peter Anderson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Privatisation has never worked, and is expensive for the rail user, as well as being stupidly over-complicated

Tim Gingell, London

Keep ticket prices low.

C Prime, Newark

Please bring back British Rail or British Railways as it was called.

David John Tyas, Holmfirth

Safety first, service second, re-investment in infrastructure third, profits last.

Brian Wakeling, Keighley

Profits are like rust to public services.

Jonathan Ravenhill Lloyd, Hastings

The Will Hutton article (Sunday 24 August, The Observer) makes perfect sense.

David Jackson, Stony Stratford