crookedspire Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Around 1996/97 was the start of the end of our nationalized rail network as bit by bit was sold off to private companies ,we were promised that fares would be cheaper and a better service the grass was supposedly greener on the other side. Things to start with looked promising then the fare hikes arrived and haven risen to the point that rail fares are now amongst highest in Europe. I don't use the trains much when I have I can't say that IV been impressed much with them I call them ' skips on rails' cleaning is not one of their strong points but their are other delights to enjoy overcrowding is something not to be missed when people get close and personal has carriages start to look like sardines in a tin. The fares are something else clearly seats need to be provided at the ticket desk to sit down in shock as the customer is told the fare perhaps a stiff drink service is required. So let's debate should the trains be brought back into public ownership or do people like to keep paying high fares and enjoyed traveling in cramped style? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin-H Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Around 1996/97 was the start of the end of our nationalized rail network as bit by bit was sold off to private companies ,we were promised that fares would be cheaper and a better service the grass was supposedly greener on the other side. Things to start with looked promising then the fare hikes arrived and haven risen to the point that rail fares are now amongst highest in Europe. I don't use the trains much when I have I can't say that IV been impressed much with them I call them ' skips on rails' cleaning is not one of their strong points but their are other delights to enjoy overcrowding is something not to be missed when people get close and personal has carriages start to look like sardines in a tin. The fares are something else clearly seats need to be provided at the ticket desk to sit down in shock as the customer is told the fare perhaps a stiff drink service is required. So let's debate should the trains be brought back into public ownership or do people like to keep paying high fares and enjoyed traveling in cramped style? Haha, that is not at all a leading question is it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Cid Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Can we afford it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crookedspire Posted September 8, 2016 Author Share Posted September 8, 2016 Can we afford it? We could do a quick forum begging bowl round. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonJeremy Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 British Rail Regrets, by Steve Turner British Rail regrets having to regret. British Rail regrets it cannot spell. British Rail regrets the chalk ran out. British Rail regrets that due to a staff shortage there will be no-one to offer regrets. British Rail regrets, but will not be sending flowers or tributes. British Rail regrets the early arrival of your train. This was due to industrious action. British Rail regrets that because of a work-to-rule by our tape machine this is a real person. British Rail regrets the cheese shortage in your sandwich. This is due to a points failure. The steward got three out of ten. British Rail regrets. Tears flow from beneath the locked doors of staff rooms. Red-eyed ticket collectors offer comfort to stranded passengers. Angry drivers threaten to come out in sympathy with the public. British Rail regrets. That's why its members are permanently dressed in black. That's why porters stand around as if in a state of shock. That's why Passenger Information is off the hook. British Rail regrets that due to the shortage of regrets there will be a train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apelike Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Its not necessary to bring them back in public ownership but just turn them into not for profit companies. It would cost but yes, we can afford it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinfoilhat Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Around 1996/97 was the start of the end of our nationalized rail network as bit by bit was sold off to private companies ,we were promised that fares would be cheaper and a better service the grass was supposedly greener on the other side. Things to start with looked promising then the fare hikes arrived and haven risen to the point that rail fares are now amongst highest in Europe. I don't use the trains much when I have I can't say that IV been impressed much with them I call them ' skips on rails' cleaning is not one of their strong points but their are other delights to enjoy overcrowding is something not to be missed when people get close and personal has carriages start to look like sardines in a tin. The fares are something else clearly seats need to be provided at the ticket desk to sit down in shock as the customer is told the fare perhaps a stiff drink service is required. So let's debate should the trains be brought back into public ownership or do people like to keep paying high fares and enjoyed traveling in cramped style? But weren't trains expensive back then? Didn't they stink? Wasn't the food a standing joke? Wasn't there strikes all the time? Weren't they late? If memory serves, and admittedly I wasn't a regular rail user by any standard, the answer to all the above questions was "yes". If was awesome or at least not in need of billions of pounds worth of upgrades, the Tories wouldn't have sold it and Blair wouldn't have rubber stamped it in 97. ---------- Post added 08-09-2016 at 23:26 ---------- Its not necessary to bring them back in public ownership but just turn them into not for profit companies. It would cost but yes, we can afford it. What would you like to cut to pay for it? NHS? Armed forces? Education? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obelix Posted September 8, 2016 Share Posted September 8, 2016 Can we afford it? Why should I pay through taxation for trains I dont use that dont run near any location I travel through....? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unbeliever Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Why should I pay through taxation for trains I dont use that dont run near any location I travel through....? Given the massive subsidies to Network Rail (operated by the state), you and I (non train users) are already doing that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I1L2T3 Posted September 9, 2016 Share Posted September 9, 2016 Its not necessary to bring them back in public ownership but just turn them into not for profit companies. It would cost but yes, we can afford it. By far the most sensible suggestion I ever heard about this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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