Commuter trains are packed, unreliable and overpriced, photo Kurtis Garbutt (Creative Commons) (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)
Commuters with banners and megaphones protested against privatised rail operator Southern’s appalling service in London’s Victoria station on 11 July.
The incompetent, cash-guzzling firm is notorious for delays, cancellations and overcrowding. Short journeys can take several hours, and some passengers say the service has cost them their jobs. Southern is trying to scrap guard service on trains, which has provoked strikes.
Privatising services only drives up prices while encouraging bosses to cut corners and staff to boost profits. The Socialist backs transport unions RMT and Aslef in their industrial action, and angry commuters demonstrating for passenger rights. Renationalise public transport under the democratic control of workers and passengers.
