Post Axxhetx05s8W1YH6MS by jonpsp@mstdn.social
 (DIR) More posts by jonpsp@mstdn.social
 (DIR) Post #AxxYBQ9KunV5c1udfc by rms@mastodon.xyz
       2025-09-07T10:07:40Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       [1/2] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/01/tap-in-tap-out-rail-ticket-trial-to-streamline-fares-using-gps-trackingThe UK plans to shift rail travelers into a ticketing system based on GPS. That would increase the surveillance of everyone's movements. Eventually they might eliminate the possibility of buying a paper ticket with cash. British train tickets were simple enough before privatization. In effect, this system is a surveillance-based solution to a problem whose full
       
 (DIR) Post #AxxYBp60AKggyvXpRY by rms@mastodon.xyz
       2025-09-07T10:07:41Z
       
       1 likes, 0 repeats
       
       [2/2] solution is to nationalize the trains.
       
 (DIR) Post #Axxhetx05s8W1YH6MS by jonpsp@mstdn.social
       2025-09-07T11:53:48Z
       
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       @rms There were a lot more rail ticket types before rail privatisation, and they varied by region!I am not convinced that nationalisation will fix the railways - investment deoended on the ideology of the Party in charge, and also used to be cut if there was a more exciting transport project (e.g. Concorde) to spend money on. The railways were also asset-stripped whilst they were nationalised. Given our current Austerity-focused Government, I think it will just lead to cutbacks again.