Impact of the privatisation of British Rail

Rail passengers in Great Britain from 1829 to 2021
GB total rail subsidy 1985–2019 in 2018 prices, showing a short decline in subsidy after privatisation, followed by a steep rise following the Hatfield crash in 2000 then a further increase to fund Crossrail and HS2 development

The impact of the privatisation of British Rail has been the subject of much debate, with the stated benefits including improved customer service, and more investment; and stated drawbacks including higher fares, lower punctuality and increased rail subsidies. The privatisation of British Rail began in the 1990s.