A social enterprise solution for our railways

SIR – There is no denying that there is something rotten about our railways (Letters, January 3). We have a broken system that is neither fair nor sustainable. It is easy to understand why more people wish to see them back in public hands.

What is needed now more than ever is a broadening of the debate as to what a modern, fit-for-purpose rail network would look like.

Public ownership does not necessarily mean state ownership and there are other ways in which commuters and communities can take back control of our railways. Mutual ownership is one option which can give people a real say over how they work. Operating a commuter line as a staff and passenger-owned social enterprise is one way forward.

Social enterprises already operate community bus routes throughout the country, putting the profits back into service delivery and combining the innovation of the private sector with a strong sense of public duty. They could be the key to creating the railway system the long-suffering commuters of this country deserve. Charlie Wigglesworth

Deputy Chief Executive, Social Enterprise UK

London SE1

SIR – The massive increase in passenger journeys since the days of privatisation made the old stations overcrowded to the point of being dangerous.

Consequently, enormous and unprecedented work was undertaken to give us more space and more security. Someone has to pay for this.

It is right that roads should be less congested when more people take the train, but the majority of the cost must be born by those who are benefiting directly from it, namely the passengers.

While bemoaning the rise in rail fares, they should perhaps look around at the new flooring, wider space, cleaner environment and the infinitely better service than that which we got under British Rail. Sue Doughty

Reading, Berkshire