Bring back British Railways

Peter Sutton, Byford, Australia

It’s high time ticketing/pricing was unified. It’s the 21st century – people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to book a train journey.

Hilary James, Donegal

Every time I hear “Thank you for choosing to travel XYZ”, I think “But I didn’t choose! If I really had the choice I’d be travelling British Rail.”

Dermot Killingley, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

I once tried to get a refund at Liverpool Street for a ticket I’d bought in Luton. That experience alone is enough to make me think this madness must end.

Emma Macbeth, Oxford

The current mess is exactly that – a mess.

David Wallis, Grantham

The British rail network is an embarrassment in comparison to most EU countries, with high fares and minimal services.

Chris Gray, Inverbervie

It’s clear the re-nationalisation of the railways will lead to a more reliable, effective and affordable rail service. Privatisation is profiteering at taxpayers’ expense.

Islam Mohammed, Birmingham

I’m fed up with trains being late, dirty seats, and the price of tickets. I travel from Harlow to Great Yarmouth and it’s gone from under £40 to nearly £57. That’s disgusting.

Sue Brooks, Harlow

We deserve and need affordable and effective public services, driven not for profit but for the good of the wider community including the reduction of traffic.

Julietta Cochrane, London

Railways are a natural monopoly and should be subsidised by the state. No more profit before people. Nationalise the railways.

Alberto Torres, London

I’m fed up with disjointed rail services and prices.

Linda Macfarlane, Woodbridge

This should never have been privatized in the first place. It was paid for by taxes – our taxes.

Michael Brown, South Shields

As a proud Brit on the continent, the state and price of UK trains is appalling. Profit for a few and misery for us. No competition and no incentive to improve or reduce prices.

Michael McClean, Hamburg

Wellingborough to Shrewsbury return £128, Wellingborough to Birmingham return £53.60, Birmingham to Shrewsbury return £16.00. Now how does that work out?

Colin Pottle, Wellingborough

The present system needs to change.

Susan Turner, York

Re-nationalise the railways. Renew East Coast’s contract to continue running that service in the interests of the people of this country.

Carmel Cadden, London

I was born in 1996 so wasn’t there to witness British Rail, but still think it’s a good idea to stop the overpriced complications that we have today.

Bradley Reynolds, Birmingham

Privatisation of the railways has proved to be a failure. Re-nationalise now.

Patrick Oakes, Baildon

The East Coast Line shows how successful public ownership can be, ploughing profits back into the Treasury. Privatisation is a failed ideology.

Robert Street, Dronfield

Privatisation is a mess. It’s just ripping off the public and taxpayers.

Christine Sweeney, Durham

We need transport for the public, not transport for private profit.

Andrew Cartwright, Chester

Privatisation does not work. The gas and electricity proves that we are all being ripped off.

James Dinsdale, Middlesbrough

stop the fares rip-off. Give us back our railways.

Anthony John Adamson, Stanley

A complete and utter shambles caused by incompetent and corrupt politicians.

Stephen Riley, Cleveland

I love nationalised trains.

Jeremy Evans, Brighton

I believe strongly that all public transport, and particularly the rail network, should be nationalised.

Marie Smith, Durham

British Rail was good. They should never have privatised the railways because the fares cost so much.

Harrison Connor, Basingstoke

The highest fares in Europe, and the money goes to profit not improvements. Re-nationalise now.

Rebecca Roseff, Colwall

Promises, promises, promises – but never any delivery to those of us who don’t live in Glasgow or Edinburgh. Cancellations or lack of rolling stock every single day.

Corin Fairchild, Dunblane

Southern Rail are bloodsuckers, money hungry.

Eloise MacKenzie, Brighton