Two thirds of rail passengers are opposed to total nationalisation of the network

More than two thirds of rail passengers are opposed to the total nationalisation of the network, according to research.

A poll of 2,000 people who travel by train found 60 per cent reckon more competition on the lines could result in lower ticket prices.

And 51 per cent believe a mix of nationalised and 'Open Access' - routes with multiple operators - are the best way to go.

They also think it could bring more frequent services, more reliable trains and improved customer experience overall.

Nearly three quarters (70 per cent) believe people travelling by train should have the choice over which train operator to travel with.

And 67 per cent think passengers would benefit from having more choice of train operators on key routes.

Phil Whittingham, rail project lead at Virgin Group, which commissioned the study as discussions in Westminster over the future of railway competition continue, said: "This research shows that consumers value having a choice about who to travel with.

"As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, we have an opportunity to be more ambitious about how train travel serves passengers across Great Britain."

The research went on to find 82 per cent believe the UK rail network needs significant investment, and only 32 per cent feel it meets the needs of passengers.

Expensive tickets (53 per cent), infrequent services (40 per cent) and lack of punctuality and reliability (37 per cent) are the top three issues which train travel users think the Open Access approach could help resolve.

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) of train travellers in Britain actively avoid certain train operators that are known for being late or regularly cancelling services.

The concept of Open Access train operators is not new – there are several operators already in the UK, which complement the incumbent government-contracted train operators.

Unlike franchised operators, Open Access companies take on the full commercial risk of running a service and don't receive any government payments or subsidies.

These operators also pay track access fees and infrastructure charges.

The Office of Rail and Road is expected to make a decision on May 2024's Open Access applications later this month.

Phil Whittingham added: "Great care has been taken in developing Virgin's Open Access application and we are confident that the proposed services will bring value for money for customers and taxpayers alike."