Overcrowded trains. Fares go up every year while the service across the industry gets worse. The train companies are only in the rail industry to make profit. We’ve got the highest fares in Europe, mile for mile, and the infrastructure dates back to Victorian days. Privatisation only benefits shareholders, profit first then everything else. Lack of investment in routine maintenance stores up problems which then become problems for the day to day running of the trains, which then cost far more in the long run. Lack of investment in rolling stock equates to breakdowns and poor customer service. Overcrowding with no investment in stock with huge growth in [passenger] numbers. RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: july/august 2019 :: RMTnews 25 WHY THE UK NEEDS A NATIONALLY INTEGRATED AND PUBLICLY OWNED RAILWAY RAILWAY what RMT rail workers say WHY A PUBLICLY OWNED RAILWAY? RMT has produced a pamphlet containing responses from a survey of rail workers from across the industry. In just a few days, more than 800 responses were received. Governments and rail companies come and go but the one constant is the rail workers who work hard, often under hugely difficult circumstances, to keep the railways moving safety. This document sets out their views on what the problem is and how it should be solved. Here are as few examples. Available from your branch secretary ‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘ ‘‘‘‘‘‘ All profits should go back into upgrading the railway industry i.e. stations, rolling stock, upgrading track and major projects. The railway would no longer be run on a shoestring to ensure bumper profits. Innovation and excellence would be rewarded, all to ensure the best possible service for the passenger. Better service. Better fares. One company, one service. Can only improve relations. I would be able to offer a ‘joined up’ approach during disruption and ticket sales would be much more inclusive and straight forward. All departments would communicate better and have a greater understanding of the work that needs to be done. We will all be working for the same thing – to run trains for the travelling public. One workforce working to keep the public safe. ‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘‘