SteveP29
Member
This has probably been discussed elsewhere through the fullness of time, but I've been thinking after viewing Pinzac's flikr photos of stations and lines that closed after Beeching.
With the proliferation of stations and lines now reopening, could it not have been feasible for the government of the day to suggest part privatisation of the network? (specifically branches and main lines that were earmarked for closure)
I dare say if the situation was to occur today (as in the UK rail network being completely state run), then it would be deemed illegal due to conflict of interest between the state run BR and the private companies.
I was thinking that, although the lines that were earmarked for closure would be in private hands, meaning cuts in services to maximise profit, these companies could not just shut down the lines and would need to run at least a skeleton service.
I have no doubt, now that the UK network is privatised, these lines would have been merged into one of the current franchise holders, but imagine how profitable those lines would now be, yes, I accept signal upgrades etc would be required over time, but the mass cost being talked about for completely rebuilding these lines wouldn't be required.
I seem to have rambled about this, I hope you all get what I was meaning, hopefully you lot out there can understand and maybe explain it better than I have, plus offer opinions of course!!
With the proliferation of stations and lines now reopening, could it not have been feasible for the government of the day to suggest part privatisation of the network? (specifically branches and main lines that were earmarked for closure)
I dare say if the situation was to occur today (as in the UK rail network being completely state run), then it would be deemed illegal due to conflict of interest between the state run BR and the private companies.
I was thinking that, although the lines that were earmarked for closure would be in private hands, meaning cuts in services to maximise profit, these companies could not just shut down the lines and would need to run at least a skeleton service.
I have no doubt, now that the UK network is privatised, these lines would have been merged into one of the current franchise holders, but imagine how profitable those lines would now be, yes, I accept signal upgrades etc would be required over time, but the mass cost being talked about for completely rebuilding these lines wouldn't be required.
I seem to have rambled about this, I hope you all get what I was meaning, hopefully you lot out there can understand and maybe explain it better than I have, plus offer opinions of course!!
