Rail transport should belong to the people.

Paul Steadman, South Shields

What a shame that it has come to this – Britain led the world with its railways. The Edwardian era was the pinnacle of its glory. Visit the National Railway Museum in York.

Brian Warren, Butler, Pa. USA

When it’s more often than not cheaper to fly or get a coach from south to north England you know there’s a problem with the railway system.

Nancy Smith, Ipswich

Who ever thought privatisation was a good idea in the first place? Profits for shareholders usually mean corners cut in the service.

Neil Beecham, Leeds

A nationalised rail network is the only solution.

Vincent Baines, Pontefract

Over the decades, privatised rail services have required a level of public subsidy far in excess of publicly-owned rail services, with little benefit to us.

Alex Lawson, Nottingham

It’s a difficult choice between privatisation and nationalisation – though on balance I think that, as long as it is held to account, nationalisation would be better.

Penny Hayhoe, Durham

The government should own the rail system and provide service to the people, not people owning it for profit.

Muhammad Ansari, Oxford

No necessary public facilities should be in private hands.

Lorna Matthews, Greenlaw

Let a company manage the railways not a convoluted claim system for delays.

Victoria Glover-Ward, Hertford

Bring back the days of British Rail so we can finally catch up with the rest or Europe and have efficient, non-fragmented and modern public transport.

Gareth Matthias, Nottingham

The current rail service is not good for taxpayers or consumers and was a poor decision made by government.

Claire Wilkinson, Bedale

Rail travel is experiencing a renaissance currently, so why aren’t we reaping the benefits? I want a public railway again.

Joe Kerr, London

What a waste. Bring back BR who ran a service for the people not the shareholders or franchises.

Alan Cole, Oxted

Bring back nationalised British Rail and give us back our railways.

Rebecca Wilson, Marlborough

All the privatised utility and transport industries must be brought back into public ownership – particularly the NHS.

Lee Rowles, Holywell

Our rail system is dysfunctional and does not work for its passengers – you most clearly see this when you use a train anywhere in Europe.

Julian Bentley, Nottingham

When German state railways are expatriating profits from UK rail passengers, to invest back into more efficient and cheaper rail in Germany, you know we need change.

Thomas Corbett, London

They should never have been sold off in the first place. It now costs more to travel by rail in the UK than it does to fly.

William White, Wendover

The fact the privatised rail companies collectively receive more in subsidies than British Rail ever did is sufficient reason alone to support this petition.

Cecilia Iredale, Hockley

The East Coast line is making a profit and receiving less subsidy in state hands than it did when private. A good model for re-nationalisation.

John Howe, Cardiff

I use the train every day as I have no choice and the fare is simply too high. I am a student and I feel as though the high cost puts a price on my education.

Jacob Whitehead, Kendal

Another privatisation disaster.

Les Bullock, Cannock

Instead of standing on its own feet this has become dependent on taxpayers for survival.

Ray Riley, Mansfield

Stop TOCs making massive profits at the expense of the public traveller whilst providing a far worse service.

Major Phil Stout, Sawbridgeworth

Please fix the broken and disjointed rail mess that has stemmed from the privatisation in the 90’s.

James Delaney, Brighton

British Rail was always top dog, better that this modern day system.

Louis Hurst, Leicester

British Rail would benefit the whole country. As the BBC and the NHS are publicly owned, so should the rail service along with lots of other state services!

Kieron Phillips, Hartlepool

Privatisation has gone too far.

Paul Baker, Winsford