[cjmillsnun]

BBKing mentioned provate operators running profitable train routes on a nationalised infrastructure.

This to me defeats the object. Why let private comapnies cream off profits. This could be used by a BR type Govenment board to fund the more social services, and to fund safety improvements. I am all for the idea of leasing rolling stock (in a similar manner to what happens on the Northern Line of London Underground) as long as a strict contract is in force on availablilty and serviceability and that is a drivers (and "BR's") decision as to whether the train is safe. Then newer syle trains (similar to the new Virgin Pendilinos and Voyagers) could be introduced cost effectively. Also BR had initiative of their own (eg they introduced the purple suited helpers at major intercity stations.... Something that was initially removed by both Virgin & GNER upon privatisation - and re-introduced by both after they found their previous decision a mistake Also anyone remember "Silver Standard"?? This was great. For a small fee you had standard class seating but 1st class service.. Cheaper than 1st class and great when you wanted coffee, a meal and a paper from Euston or King's Cross.) I am not saying that BR was perfect - FAR FROM IT. They were a victim of being the Cinderella of Government Spending and some extremely poor management decisions. But they were finally getting it (generally) right when they were privatised, and were doing much better than most (if not all) of the TOCs running today.

IMHO the only sucessful private train company has been M40trains (Chiltern Railways). They have stuck to the culture of safety found in BR(They also have APT and insisted that all their new trains (ordered before Southall) had it fitted. Even though there was only one supplier of the equipment who was ripping them off.) They also benefitted from a recently upgraded line and fairly modern rolling stock anyway, and used sucessful marketing and good management to stay safe & profitable.