I don’t understand that when Network Rail do repair work, they have to compensate private train operating companies. If it was state owned, think of the saving.

William Nealon, Rugby

Some things should be left alone for the greater good and not turned into sidelines for the greedy.

Lesley Pollard, Harwich

Nationalise our railways!

Catherine Barnett, Hay-on-Wye

One system. Then we’d know where we stand – where / what / who will deal with things, not running around like headless chickens.

Peter Taft, Nottingham

Keep East Coast nationally owned.

David Elsby, Crewe

I worked for British Rail between 1957 and 1967. They were much better in every respect than they are now.

Bob Findlay, Hitchin

We need the C2C to sort out the Purfleet line. Stop focusing on the main line.

Samantha Bugeja, Essex

As private owners want a profit it’s unlikely they will ever be cheaper.

Mary Fletcher, St Ives

Privatisation: an exercise in selling to the public that which they already own.

Paul Curtis, London

Bring back our railway system and make us the pride of Europe, instead of Europe’s worst transport provider.

Susan Nutt, Dorset

It’s too bloody expensive to buy a train ticket.

Francis Dalton, Bracknell

I belong to a walking group of retired people whose organiser suffers because of the disorganisation of the various companies running rail transport in the South-East

Philip Michaelson, London

Transport for the people. Allow us to travel safely and cheaply. Bring people back to quality coaches and infrastructure.

Steve Pearce, Thatcham

The price of train fares is a scandal. Dividing up the service makes no sense. A unified service will help society at large.

Stefanie Pixner, London

Fares are ridiculously high compared to other EU states. Ticket pricing is a mess. Why is it cheaper to buy 2 tickets Newcastle-York-Manchester than 1 through ticket?

Tony Goode, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

We need a proper unified railway service.

Janet McCormick, Seaford

The East Coast Main Line is both clean and comfortable. The fares are competitive, the service is first class. If that was spread over other lines it would be marvellous.

Vic Hall, Balderon

I travel by train a lot and it is very expensive now, I can remember the early ’90s train prices were fair. I think we should bring back British Rail.

Darren McNiven, Worthing

Time to re-nationalise the railways and cease the massive transfer of wealth to fat cat friends of politicians.

Haward Soper, Leicester

The East Coast line makes a net profit run by the public sector. Perhaps the rest can too.

Jenny Shevlin, Leeds

Privatisation of national structure is theft of public assets.

Nick Scarr, Aldeburgh

It’s time we got back to basics. One network with a commitment to providing an efficient service without the need to rip off the passengers. Bring back British Rail.

Chrissie Storey, Morden

I am from Austria and Britain needs British Rail.

Tim Rauscher, Wien

If our government is serious about the shift from road to rail then now is the opportunity.

Mike Friend

Privatisation hasn’t worked – it’s time to re-nationalise the railways in the public interest.

Vincent Cunliffe, Sheffield

Why shouldn’t the profits go back into the company instead of into individual’s pockets?

Katherine Dixon, Bristol

Let the franchises run to their end and then take them back without the need for compensation.

Michael Kirkman, York

We should be able to afford to travel by train. Railways should belong to us. Any money they make should be invested in their running, not given as dividends.

Joan Wyatt, Leeds

BR Blue is my favourite livery, along with NSE.

Matthew Tyrer-Garner, Liverpool

They should never have been de-nationalised.

Dave Owen, Sheffield