[ant6n]

The structure they have now actually does make some sense. Now we have public ownership of infrastructure, but private operation. The infrastructure, a rail network, is inherently a monopolistic affair, and competition is actually inefficient.

The private operators compete for the contract to run a franchise for a couple of years. The "choice" is not for the passenger, the choice is for the government to decide which private company to give the franchise, to give access to the infrastructure, and to provide subsidies. The competition basically happens at the bidding level.