I think you might be analysing the issue from slightly the wrong angle.

First, as to TOC profits, I don't think it makes sense to report as a %age of turnover, as the cashflow is just a transient in their hands in the midst of the railway money-go-round. Rather, look at their return on capital investment and a more rosy picture for them might appear.

Second, as to Network Rail, I can't check right now but I do believe that they are saddled with a) debt; and b) vast future capital expenditure requirements. Making large profits is the only way they will be able to reduce their debt and set aside funds for future capital projects. Don't forget, Network Rail is a so-called "Not for Dividend" company owned HM Government.

Whats the difference between a wall and a NXEC ticket inspector?

The wall is more intelligent and smells less.

Whats the diference between a NXEC employee and a salad?

The salad is better dressed

Don't forget the involvement of our pals at the banks in this. They own the rolling stock companies which lease the trains to operators such as NXEC and have made such exorbitant profits over the years at our expense that eventually the Competition Commission have investigated the scam. Don't know what the outcome will be but I guess it is fair to assume that any refund to passengers is not going to happen.

It has been a few months since i last posted on this site due to the fact I did not have to travel on GNER any more, (applause), unfortunatley, my new contract has posted me to the delights of Huntingdon, so I am back into the same old routine, (Boo),and staying in Tinsel Town, (double boo). Any way to the point, if you just think about it, it is just another form of tax that we are paying which is spilt between the Government and the scummy pockets of investors and banks. No wonder the the Gov do not want to renationalise it!

2007 ended on a high note - GNER were swept away. Also market forces have worked - I use the new car park on Station Road in Grantham and actually enjoy paying £3.00 per day to the owners/
It proves just how inept and greedy the old GNER management were when parking charges doubled on the pretext of bringing them into line with local operators. Utter tosh.
Please post a notice that everybody can read reminding passengers that for once we do not have to be ripped off.

On a related note - does anybody know of a place that is cheaper than the £10 per day they charge at Peterborough station. Must obviously be walking distance from the station, ideally a 24 hour affair. Looking at the day time rates in Queensgate, it's more expensive than the station.

Oh and has anybody heard a rumour that National Express plan to start charging for short-term parking at Peterborough?