Well done More Trains Less Strain! The fact is that the service will remain rubbish and the fares get higher while people continue to accept this. And please keep going until the railways are renationalised. A full-scale strike of London-based civil servants should be called in support - that would make the Government take notice.

Tim, Lancaster,

I'm lucky not having to commute.(It must be hell. No wonder they feel desperate enough to consider a strike day!)I travel from WsMare to London fairly often for leisure,managing to book ahead(even getting a good deal on 1st class sometimes) and always choosing to travel up and back after 09:30.The trains are on time usually.However I have noticed (over the last 12 years since I've been doing these journeys)far more people using even these (why aren't they at work already?)As for the horrible little local trains(to Bristol etc.)"don't even go there!" Continental countries have good rail services.Why don't we?

HD, WsM, UK

With the government trying to get us all to be 'greener' surely this is going to encourage more train passengers onto the roads.
To help save the planet we first need a cheap reliable public transport system.

GJB, Slough, Berkshire

I really do feel that one of the biggest failures of this so called 'Labour' government is not renatationalsing the railways. I am afraid that companies like FGW only care about one thing and that is making money. The railways are a vital part of the social fabric of the country. If there was a decent national railway it would have huge improvement on all aspects of life not least getting cars and lorries off the overcrowded roads. It is far to important to leave in the hands of money grabbers like FGW. I say good like to fare strikes - hit them were it hurts.

Mark deFleury, Bath, England

Obviously privatising the railways has not made them more efficient, or a more competitive environment... it feels like we've traded one large state-run, egalitarian monopoly which was responsible to the public for a number of smaller private ones responsible to shareholders. It has gotten a lot more expensive while offering marginal extra value.

What annoys me most is that there doesn't seem to be much pressure on the private firms to provide customer value, rather than shareholder value. The government is obliging them by raising the prices of road transport through taxing cars and petrol, and the net result is that all transport becomes dearer with rail firms following the market price upwards.

I'd like to see the Office of Rail Regulation taking a firmer stance on this: train companies losing their licenses for taking profits above a certain percentage of turnover would be a good start, and should incentivise maximising throughput on the network and competition for lines.

kerome, London, UK

Privitisation this is not. Privitisation means competition. If it were true Free Enterprise there would be more than one train company fighting for your fare on your route. But as this is set up its a quango designed to benefit a few very wealthy groups who only have to borrow money from banks and employ the staff and run it tight , watch the bottom line and to hell with the passengers. Push the fairs up as much as possible.
Why cant you have two three four or five operators on the same line all in competition. The lines belong to a different company. Have competition like the Airlines taxis, busses , crise liners and as it used to be across the Atlantic etc.
If we had an option then you could support another provider that cares for the passengers and actually provides seats and , but as it stands its Hobsons choice. They couldn't care if you catch the train or don't, provided the money men are happy with bigger and bigger profits and have access to parliament to get increases.

Jas, Farnborough, UK

About time some one speaking about train-fare cost discussed, bear in mind, retired ones to be consider also!
Cllr Ken Tiwari(Oxford UK)

Cllr Ken Tiwari (Independent), Oxford, United Kingdom

" ... the blame ultimately lies with the government ... slashing subsidies ..."

Either railways are private or national. There should be no subsidies of private companies that pay dividends to shareholders. Why should tax payers inadvertently fund dividends to investors? Re-nationalise the railways now, and then the tax payer can properly contribute towards better rail travel for everyone.

Vera, Kettering, England

Please tell me exactly what investment First Group has made in the Great Western line? Along with the Midland Mainline from London to Sheffield, it is the last un-electrified premier inter-city route in western Europe. The mainstay of the service is still the Inter-City 125 train, which is now almost 35 years old. Yet there are still no co-herent plans for modernisation of the route, just new paint on old trains. Say what you like about Richard Branson, but his 140mph electric Pendolino trains have transformed the West Coast mainline out of Euston; it is this sort of vision that is needed for the line from London to Bristol and South Wales.... But you can be sure that none of this latest 10% fare hike will be spent on improving the service

Richard, Bexhill, UK

For me, this follows a whacking fare rise in June when rail fares in London were 'co-ordinated', too.

Incidentally, Roger Tilbury, trains were crowded and old before privatisation because tens of billions of pounds were diverted from investment to the reorganisation of the system in preparation for privatisation. One that Brown's government promised to reverse...

I also take Southern every day, as one of three train operating companies and it's as late, as regularly, as the excreble South West Trains. Nice trains, though, although it's a shame the doors don't open for a minute when they eventually get to Victoria, due to a fault in the trains' systems.

Overcrowding will be eased by investment in the rail network to enable more trains to be run, not in stupid schemes like Crossrail to enable people to go from Reading to Belvedere(!!!).

The railway network is now subsidised far more heavily than it was pre-privatisation and we're paying through the nose in fares, too.

GB, London, UK

Why is public transport so expensive and so customer unfriendly in the UK compared with most other EU countries . Why is the government not guaranteeing a good and fair priced transport system instead of allowing the almost predictable year after year of above inflation hikes.

Gerard, Cobham, Surrey

I can remember when on the old Southern Railways, the Porters had to push the doors to shut them.
Those were the days. same on the tube
In recent years my train travel has been a pleasent experience, although it was not at rush hour.

Mike, Cyprus,

I wish the BBC Watchdog can consider investigating the train condition, for example the service from Reading to Gatwick. Other than the fundamental hygiene has not been met, passengers need to suffer from the smell of urine in the train for years. Now great, they want to increase the train fare for this train service also. It seems to me they are not only fooling the passengers’ money, also they treat the passengers worst than an animal! A “well behave dog travel for free” but we don’t! I believe it is the time we fight for human right first rather than animal right! I would bet our PM would not allow his dog to travel on this train even they offer “well behave dog travel for free”! I think it has come to the time for their CEO to step down!

Richard, Guildford,

I was paying full train fare on New Year Eve but was told the train will operate on weekend schedule! This is the most ridiculous operation I have ever heard in my entire life. Why don’t they consider operating weekday schedule and collecting weekend fare?

First Great Western is basically over charging and yet cunning the passengers. Still, each year they claim to have million of pounds losses? I think this has proven the failure of their management! They did not meet the fundamental customer’s right (who paid the weekday fare but have to accept a weekend service!). With this point, the Association of the Consumer Right should have prosecuted them!

Now they still asking for train fare increase? After increase the train fare, so what do they offer to passengers? Operating weekend service and collecting weekday train fare? Is this the way this train company treat their customer to run their million of pounds of business in Great Britain?

Richard, Guildford,

Passengers who use South West Trains First class in order to get a seat on the train to London at 6:37 in the morning are being asked to pay 28.13% more for the year. Even then no seat is guaranteed and the compensation amounts to £3:00 per trip.
I have written to the rail company and given them the dictionary definition of extortion:
1. The act or an instance of extorting.
2. Illegal use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage.
3. An excessive or exorbitant charge.
4. Something extorted.
Come on everybody stand in Standard and fight this criminality.

Toni, Guildford, Surrey

There should be a general strike until free transport for workers, students and schoolchildren is achieved. That would wake them up. Bring it on!

Willesden Herald, London,

Shame I don't use trains but I'm right with you! Go for it!

Judy , Liverpool, england

Another manifestation of a government "integrated travel strategy"!
"Green" fuel taxes, congestion charges and (soon) road charges that are designed to encourage travellers to use public transport - and then hit the same travellers with massive charges for the privilege of using a dirty, unpunctual transport system.

In the past 12 months I have used the rail systems in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Austria and in those countries the train is my preferred method of travel. Whereas in this country I grudgingly use the train - and only when there is no alternative.

Blaming the rail companies for the state of affairs is futile because their agenda is set for them by government , both directly and via the regulator.

Passengers are being ripped off and have had enough.

J Adsett, Rochford, Essex

er....... isn't travelling without having a ticket ( i.e., not paying your fare) a criminal offence.

OK. I will now choose to ignore paying at supermarket checkouts from now on. Good deal.

Keith, London, UK

These people are criminals. If you don't like the rail service, don't use it.

That they are not prepared or able to pay the full ticket price is their own problem and not that of the rail Companies.

They don't steal cars because car prices are high or petrol in response to the vast tax charged on it. What gives them the right to steal train rides?

I hope they all get arrested and charged.

Nick, London, UK

Remember the words of the prophet Prescott.
And swiftly replace them in the dustbin where he put them. This government has made a hash of everything it has touched, transport among them, there will be no improvement as long as nulab exists.

roger jones, kettering,

As I think I've posted on here before, for people to use public transport it needs to be goo denough to outweigh the comfort and privacy of driving. That means it needs to be:
- cheap
- reliable
- regular
- comfortable
- and have good service

The trains are none of these at the moment, and that's why people only use them when they have to (and complain about it) - I can't wait until I pass my driving test...

sam, farnham, uk

Yet another illustration of why this country is going to pot, and why we will never get to grips with climate change in this country.

If we need an incentive to use public transport more frequently, then give us a cheaper and more dependable rail network to commute to work- accompanied by the provision of clean, comfortable, and SAFE trains- and make international train travel (currently only provided by Eurostar) more competitive and reasonably-priced. Why do I seem to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of public transport in Belgium, France, Germany et al and not here?

It never ceases to baffle me in this country why those who use their car or travel by plane are chastised with impunity for not using our more earth-friendly but utterly disgraceful trains as an alternative.

Darren, Greenhithe, Kent, U.K

Rail has become a very expensive form of transport. The SRA reported in June 2003 that the 45 minute London commuter was paying only one third of the long run marginal cost, let alone the full cost. In Beeching's day, air cost more than twice as much as rail - now Virgin Rail's (belated!) report shows costs of about 16p per passenger-km, vs. 4p for Ryanair. I estimate that a rural train carrying half a busload of passengers costs about £8 per km, vs £1.25 for a bus.

A major problem seems to be the track renewal cost - £10,000 per km in Beeching's day, now about £1m - Metronet has reported £1.8m for the above ground London Transport routes. The RPI has grown 13 times. And we have had a Eurotunnel report that their fast heavy trains have led to renewing twice in 14 years, vs. the 30 years plus age of the First Great Western routes.
Tony Lucking London

Tony Lucking, London, UK

The problem with our railways compared to other countries is twofold
- They are too expensive
- We drastically cut back many railways in the sixties, meaning that rail is not an option for many people

One solution could be if commuters could claim tax relief on their season tickets like they do in many other European countries.

This would have three effects
-Rail companies could get more money out for funding rail improvements
- Passengers would pay up to 1/3 less on their season tickets
- The government could claim that they were doing something positive to get people out of cars and into trains

Malcolm Smith, Hitchin, Herts

At a time when we are encouraged to be green and eco-friendly by using public transport rather than cars, why is our tinpot government allowing rail companies to price us all off the railways??

Katherine, Reading,

I pay well over the odds to use my car .Rail users do not pay anywhere near enough money in fares for railways to break even. I fail to see why I should susidise their travelling expenses and ludicrously long job commutes. Railways are a sentimental black hole for tipping taxpayers money into, rather like the sacred NHS monster.

adams, london,

I am simply stunned that this government and other politicians does nothing to break the neck to those greedy corporates and protect commuters. If we take those trains it is mainly to go to work and to increaase the growth of this nation by this work. Lets remember at election time...

Ph Negri, tonbridge, kent

Why are we not investing in doubledecker carriages for use during high volumne peak times. This would increase the capacity by some 60% with the same number fo trains.

Jeff, Sandbach,

No there wont be a 'Fares Strike' -the people will simply adopt the usual 'Im all right Jack ' Mentality , whinge a lot as usual but remain as supine as ever.

Feathers McGraw, Perth, Scotland

I fully support this agitation. Surprising to see these corporate players going anti-green. Rather than lowering prices to attract more commuters, these railways are reducing the frequency of trains on the so-called non-busy routes too.

Jags, Beckenham, UK

I agree with Andrew Long of the Bedford Commuters Association that the government has not put money into the railways - or at least not into capital investment. Large amounts of public money have instead lined the pockets of the private rail operators, many of whom provide a very poor service. However, it would be wrong to say that the government has spent large amounts of money on roads instead as there is now very little road-building taking place in most parts of the country, even where it is clearly needed e.g. the south coast between Folkestone and Brighton.

Richard, Bexhill, UK

Especially in the current climate where we are all told to be "green", this is exactly the opposite of what is required. I live in London which has one of the most extensive public transport networks in the world, and yet it is both quicker and cheaper for me to drive to work. This includes the costs of tax, insurance and £1.05/L petrol. More capacity, and crucially - lower fares - are what this country desperately needs in its transport system.

James, London,

Let us not forget that this is a Government whose appreciation of rail is sadly lacking. Whilst the Highways Agency have had unfettered access to funds for new road construction & motorway widening (without road pricing), rail cannot even have a "rolling programme" of main line electrification. Our railways are the poor man of Europe. "Make do & mend" is the motto, with the passenger fleeced to pay just for minor service changes - often shorter trains, fewer seats and slower journeys!
The fare increases wouldn't be so draconian if something was being delivered in return - it isn't!

Bedford Commuters Association - a Rail User Group.

Andrew Long, Bedford, England

Any passenger protest against the train companies in this country has to be applauded.

I spent two years in Japan regularly travelling by train, and the only time the train was cancelled was when my area was hit by the worst earthquake for forty years.

In this country we pay ever increasing amounts of cash, and receive ever decreasing levels of service. Train companies have no pride in their offerings and contempt for passengers.

Good luck More Trains, Less Strain!

Rob, London,

Sophie has either forgotten the horrors of overcrowded, old trains on the nationalised railway or she is too young to have expreienced it. On Southern we have new trains that, outside the worst rush hour, are full but not overcrowded and run pretty much on time.

Overcrowding is solved not by vast investment in rolling stock needed for six trains a day on any one route, but by tax incentives to firms who introduce flextime and home working.

Roger Tilbury, Worthing,

For those in favour of privatisising Royal Mail, think again. Privatisation only benefits the few!

sophie, london,

First Great Western is without doubt, the single worst travel company I have had to travel with. Not just trains, but across the board, and across Europe.

More Trains Less Strain have my support. As a low income user of public transport, I already find it difficult to afford rail fares, this latest increase will push my spending beyond regular affordabilty, I think I will be going back to the car. So much for government targets. Renationalise the railways!

Jennifer Hynes, Plymouth, England