The trains are outdated and whatever new stock Northern do get is cast offs from down south or abroad.

Craig Robertson, Birkenhead

BR gave us the 125 and 225. Privatisation gave us Voyagers – and taxpayers’ money syphoned off into tax havens and foreign governments.

Paul Williamson, Coventry

The successful return of the East Coast Main Line to public ownership makes an irrefutable case for the return of British Rail. Bring it back.

Chris Coulthard, Carlisle

Privatisation of a national service has been a disaster, particularly in health and safety terms. People died at Hatfield because of privatisation.

Denzil Moran, Nottingham

I travel regularly by train as I don’t drive. In the past 20 years it has become a disgusting experience. Drunks (therefore unsafe), filthy toilets, often no seats. It’s hell.

Morna Burdon, Edinburgh

It’s useless under privatisation.

Zoe Hunter, Chesterfield

We need a subsidised system of travel to help get us to work – not delay and tax us.

Paul Rum, Hove

Trains only for a minority than can afford it? You’re missing the trick here, and the future (shouting for sustainability) is leaving you behind already!

Rina M, Dumfries

I do not drive and have always travelled by train. I love train travel and believe in it and public transport. Bring prices down for better use.

Valerie Castle, Worcester

I just found you today. I want it back in public ownership too, wishing you all the best.

Keith Green, London

If British Railways had received subsidies equivalent to those now received by the Train Operating Companies, we would still have the finest railway system in the world.

Alan Tingle

Re-nationalisation of the rail network should be part of Labour Party policy.

Sandra Newens, Harlow

The East Coast mainline is state-run and profitable, unlike all other franchises. Follow their lead.

Eric Gendle, Middlesbrough

I’m fed up with being half an hour late every day. The Southern main line needs massive investment. SWT have made it clear they won’t do it. Maybe BR would.

Simon Wragg, Brockenhurst

How has rail got so bad and so expensive? Turn it into just one company and bring back British Rail.

Joshua Tyler, Rotherham

Public service not private profit. It’s that simple.

Nigel McAdam, Manchester

The Tories thought nationalised rail didn’t work. The French thought it did and bought into our railways. Re-nationalise British Rail so we all can profit.

Graham Finch, Rye

National services work for the benefit of society not profit.

Ayman Sheltawy, Leeds

We need you British Rail.

Jeff Taylor

We need to nationalise rail and all utilities – water and energy. This is the only way forward for job infrastructure, financial growth and for the environment.

Leanne Hubbard, Sunderland

I usually avoid trains now. It’s just not worth it. I take the coach instead.

Ian Mayman, Leamington Spa

Rail travel that people can afford, not lining pockets of the rich.

Andrew Marriott, Loughborough

I love travelling by train but I can’t afford it. If you are serious about the environment then make train travel affordable – by bringing back British Rail.

Gill Ashton, Chesterfield

We want our railways back, serving the people not the obscene profits of the fat cats.

Alan Dunn, Higham Ferrers

All public transport should be counted as a utility and all utilities should be re-nationalised.

Frank Evans, Chesterfield

Nationalisation is the only solution to the appalling cost and standard of service of the present system.

Adrian Clinch, Broadway

I’m a proud member of the Wrexham – Birkenhead Rail Users’ Association.

John Edmondson, Heswall

Rail privatisation was one of the biggest mistakes of the last Tory government. All the evidence points to the need for re-nationalisation.

Sheena Vigors, Wakefield

Privately-owned and operated railways do not put the passengers first. Re-nationalise now.

Robert Hicks, Hardwicke