Who rules Britannia?

Foreign companies are taking a much larger role in UK public transport. Robert Jack considers the implications of this trend

Globalisation is a key feature of our time. Borders are being broken down as commerce takes advantage of the liberalisation of markets, and public transport is not immune. Britain has tended to be relatively relaxed about foreign companies buying up its assets and entering its markets. The French have acquired UK power and water companies, while the Spanish own phone company O2 and BAA, the operator of six UK airports. Just as your energy, water and telephone services may be provided by a...