We need public service and amenities to be owned by the public The rich are taking the country’s spoils and leaving the rest of us with the scraps and having to pay for it.

Glenis Singleton, Nottingham

British Rail sold cheaply to private companies has cost taxpayers billions ever since – taxes paid to shareholders.

Phillip Green, Brompton Regis

Private ownership doesn’t work for passengers. And re-nationalise buses, energy and the post office as well.

Judy Steele, Leamington Spa

I support this movement 100%. I feel like taxpayers are been let down and that’s got to stop now. Trains for the people, not for private profit.

Luke A Parker, Trowbridge

The time has come to undo much of the havoc wrought be the unlamented Margaret Thatcher.

Rob Lucas, Ross-on-Wye

The state’s washed its hands of the railways, thereby letting down the people, turning the system into a money-making scam instead of one of the best in the World.

Suhail Noorani, London

SNCF do it right, BAHN do it right. It’s time to join them and end this mockery of free market economics supported by public subsidy.

Dominic Williams, Ashford, Kent

Re-nationalise our railways now.

David Berry, Wigan

Privatisation is a capitalist threat to democracy.

David Lienard, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Privatised train services are a rip-off.

Ryan McGrath, Bristol

Enough of the insanity.

Colin Raven, Manchester

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

Derek Lowe, Knaresborough

BR was a nationwide co-ordinated rail system. BR needed much less government subsidy than the current fragmented privatised system. Bring back BR.

Tim Stevens, Peterborough

Bringing back public ownership of the rail network would work much better, creating affordable fares and sufficient staffing, not compromising safety for profit.

Tracey Ward, Derby

Re-nationalise the railways.

James Martin, Glasgow

It’s absolutely disgusting that a season ticket is £6,000. Compare it to Singapore for example. The trains are so much bigger there with air-conditioning.

Georgina Lum, Essex

Public transport is, or at least should be a public service and, like all public services, it should not be a business opportunity for private companies to exploit taxpayers.

Wilfred Watson, Lincoln

Bring back the glorious days of BR.

Sebastian Gutierrez, Santiago, Chile

I am not a believer in nationalisation unless it is an obvious choice. How else can a population which is now so diverse move across the country without cars?

Christopher Morton, Durham

I just watched Ellie Harrison report this story on RT Going Underground. She was very compelling so I decided to look her up online and join the petition.

Josine Griffiths, Nottingham

They should never have been sold – nor gas, electricity, post office etc.

Dennis Wood, Clacton-on-Sea

If the French and German state rail companies think it’s a good idea to run Britain’s railways then why don’t we?

Richard Wetherell, London

I’m a Green Party member and therefore understand and know the truth about privatisation.

Shihab-Ud-Deen Basit, Bradford

The taxpayer should not be subsidising private business, run for profit.

Filipa Braganca, Ealing

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

Ben Burman, Radlett

Railways should be run as a public service, not for private profit. The quality of service in European countries is way better as governments invest more in railways.

John Quinn, Dundee

Rail transport is a natural monopoly too important to be left to competing short-term franchises.

Sonia Heaven, Southampton

Basic transport should be a right in this country. Stop the fat cats profiting and support the public.

Robert Sunners, Cockermouth

The people who pay are the passengers. Look after them and bring back British Rail. Even blue and grey coaches are welcome!

Michael Miles, Swindon