Intercity Express Train

I’ll be the first to admit that I strongly dislike the current British Government and many of the people
it. However, I’ve always said I’d be fair, and they have actually done something right.

It isn't an overnight fix, and in my opinion, it doesn't quite go far enough yet, but it’s almost there. I’ve long believed that the railway should be publicly owned. For too long, we’ve had a fragmented system that just didn't work for the passenger.

A Step Toward Public Ownership

The move to bring passenger services back under public control is a massive step in the right direction. I believe the government needs to eventually own the trains they run, too. Keeping the operators and the freight companies separate makes perfect sense to me, it allows for a more streamlined system.

My hope is that this new setup will lead to a "joined-up" relationship with the devolved Welsh and Scottish rail companies. We need a network that actually talks to itself across borders, rather than acting like a dozen different businesses.

The "Social Capitalist" View

People often try to box you into being a "Socialist" or a "Capitalist." Personally, I’m bang in the middle. I suppose you could call me a Social Capitalist.

I believe a bit of both is the best of all worlds. You need the drive of a market, but you need the heart and the public safety net of a state-owned infrastructure for essential things like transport. It doesn't make me right or wrong; it’s just my position. Some things are just too important to be run purely for a profit margin.

What’s in a Name?

I don’t think we really needed the fancy new name "Great British Railways." To me, British Rail would have done just fine. But hey, whatever, potato, potato (you know what I mean).

At the end of the day, I’m just glad the "Guiding Mind" is back and the tracks and trains are being brought back together. It’s been a long time coming.

What do you think? Are you happy to see the end of the old franchise system, or are you worried about the government running the show? Let me know in the comments.

Location: Tredegar, UK

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