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It also runs with a third to a quarter of the relative subsidy compared to France and Germany, so maybe the UK is getting the better end of the bargain! Also,
by Brakenshire 6y ago
It also runs with a third to a quarter of the relative subsidy compared to France and Germany, so maybe the UK is getting the better end of the bargain!
Also, these are only the train operating companies, the rail and infrastructure itself is owned by Network Rail, which is state owned (and by the UK, not France!)
- vidarh 6y agoHaving used the rail systems elsewhere, I'd happily see an increase of subsidies far more extensive than that if it got us a rail system more fit for purpose.
- gsnedders 6y agoAlas, no government since privatisation has wanted to increase subsidy, hence the continual above-inflation fare rises (though admittedly smaller than under BR!).
- danw1979 6y agoIf by “the UK” you’re including the citizenry who use the rail network, then we are quite clearly not getting any kind of bargain whatsoever.
- willyt 6y agoNot really, the TGV network makes a profit and the fares are about half the price of our shit trains. Also their most expensive line has about 50 bridges and tunnels through much more rugged landscape than the midlands and cost 5 times less per km than HS2.