the cost of trains is unreal

**minestrone** · 10 February 2009, 10:09

My season ticket from Glasgow to Edinburgh there was costing 480 quid a month. Granted it was 1st class but that is still a shocking amount to pay.

The real stinger is the attitude of the staff on some of the trains, spolied brats.

And why they are allowed to wear union ties and badges above their work uniform is just evidence they can get away with anything. I would have them all sacked.

**gingerjedi** · 10 February 2009, 10:16

Originally posted by scooterscot View Post

Nationalise the network please! Train companies should not operate for profit they are a necessary part of the country's infrastructure.

No no no, everything has to make a profit these days, it's only fair™.

**d000hg** · 10 February 2009, 10:18

Originally posted by gingerjedi View Post

No no no, everything has to make a profit these days, it's only fair™.

There's profit (which is fine) and there's taking the piss. Can't believe trains cost 5X more to run than 5-10 years ago, but the prices seem to suggest this.

**expat** · 10 February 2009, 10:20

Originally posted by scooterscot View Post

Nationalise the network please! Train companies should not operate for profit they are a necessary part of the country's infrastructure.

You must expect a lot of disagreement from this board on that one. Thatcher sold off the railways because she believed the opposite. So anyone who agrees with Thatcher is necessarily against nationalising the railway companies.

**Ruprect** · 10 February 2009, 10:23

Originally posted by expat View Post

You must expect a lot of disagreement from this board on that one. Thatcher sold off the railways because she believed the opposite. So anyone who agrees with Thatcher is necessarily against nationalising the railway companies.

The principle is that the competition will keep the prices low and the service good. The practice is that there is monopoly over particular lines, so competition is out the window and the operators get lazy, complacent and expensive. Great eh?

**scooterscot** · 10 February 2009, 10:24

Originally posted by d000hg View Post

There's profit (which is fine) and there's taking the piss. Can't believe trains cost 5X more to run than 5-10 years ago, but the prices seem to suggest this.

If this was France people would be torching buildings.

In britain we just make sure the Vaseline don't run out.

To monopolise the infrastructure to this degree, to charge 5 times more in the space of 10 years...

I'm lost for words

**NotAllThere** · 10 February 2009, 10:24

Originally posted by scooterscot View Post

...
Nationalise the network please! Train companies should not operate for profit they are a necessary part of the country's infrastructure.

Yes, Dr Beeching.

**thelace** · 10 February 2009, 10:24

I go down to London from Newcastle regularly. I'm keen on reducing my carbon footprint and always check the train fares first, then I book a plane ticket, which on average has been half the price.

Last time, trying to save a few bob, I looked at flying to Stanstead and getting the train in from there.

£34 return to fly to Stanstead.

£58 return on the train into London.

They can go swing for it!

**lilelvis2000** · 10 February 2009, 10:25

The problem is that the franchises are too short. Train companies have to anti-up a huge amount to get the franchise, then promise to reburbish stations etc.. and also make a profit.

Okay so they get a subsidy at first which reduces down to £0 (allegedly). But they then have to earn enough to pay their shareholders and enough to payout for another franchise in a few years.

They system is cocked. And there is very little competition.

I had to price out someone to get from Heathrow to Manchester Airport. it was far cheaper to fly as the train worked out to £190 at peak time and £120 off-peak! Coach was reasonable at £43, however.

I'm sure I could have sat down at my PC and worked out a cheaper route by train, but it would have taken me half the night.

the cost of trains is unreal