[Andrex]

The entire airline industry was nationalized at one time. I wonder how safe things were during this period versus today.

[jagged-chisel]

Don’t forget to control for advances in technology.

[ric2b]

Yes, the most accurate comparison would probably be comparing public and private rail across different countries. There are probably other factors that would need to be controlled for as well, though.

[hawthornio]

Private vs public rail might be a good proxy—e.g., britain’s privatization under thatcher, NYC acquiring various independent subway operators

[eterm]

UK Rail privitisation wasn't under Thatcher.