Quote:
Originally Posted by u-Bob
yes, competition = lower prices and better quality.
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I disagree and here is a very valid reason -
about 20 years the British govt privatised the rail service (and all public transport soon thereafter). Since then,
- the railway network infrastructure was owned by Railtrack that went into administration sometime in the early 2000s and is now owned by Network Rail which is part private, part Govt owned.
- Franchising the 20 odd so new train operators was given to some pathetic deadhead (can't remember name) that was handed over to the (un)"Strategic Rail Authority" that couldn't distribute candie to kids so that was given (back) to the Dept for Transport at the govt (and sub-handed to the welsh and scottish govts for their train operators)
- I've no idea how many times train operators have changed hands, especially for specific routes, but many are still using old rolling stock that pre-date privatisation
Has service improved? Ask any Brit if they are happy with their rail service and prices? I doubt you'll find many saying it's great value for money and reliable and clean.
On the other side of the coin, and channel, there is a public rail service that is extremely efficient, runs to schedule (try a 800km train ride that arrives at the station to the exact minute it is supposed to), is clean, and very fairly priced. The rail network there is extremely well connected to all places in France and the rest of Europe and is an infrastructure that the French are (rightly) proud of.