If you want a vivid illustration what the free market does to a product, which is a natural monopoly you need not look any further then the UK train system.
It's not only considered the most expensive, but is also in line for the price of the most atrocious train network anywhere in Europe.
Another great example is broadband in the US.
Both are market economy in action.
Now, I'm not claiming that centrally planned (and usually government operated) infrastructure is the best choice in any case. What I do argue, however, is that there are a lot of examples where the free market doesn't know best, enables operators and companies to make indecent and unfair profits, while shafting the populace at the same time.
> For an example see, any centrally planned economy, ever.
Just an example to counter that absolutism: The city of Prague has one of the best public transport systems just about anywhere. You can get to anywhere within in the pretty big city by tram, bus and metro. Day and night.
It could never provide this level of service if it would be forced to operate under free market forces.
Yup, free markets love monopolies. Government regulation is necessary, but it should be aimed at stimulating competition, not protecting vested interests. Of course, in the real world corporations have shown themselves to be rather gifted at regulation capture, so we often see governments providing regulations that harm consumers in the name of protecting producers.
It's not only considered the most expensive, but is also in line for the price of the most atrocious train network anywhere in Europe.
Another great example is broadband in the US.
Both are market economy in action.
Now, I'm not claiming that centrally planned (and usually government operated) infrastructure is the best choice in any case. What I do argue, however, is that there are a lot of examples where the free market doesn't know best, enables operators and companies to make indecent and unfair profits, while shafting the populace at the same time.
> For an example see, any centrally planned economy, ever.
Just an example to counter that absolutism: The city of Prague has one of the best public transport systems just about anywhere. You can get to anywhere within in the pretty big city by tram, bus and metro. Day and night.
It could never provide this level of service if it would be forced to operate under free market forces.
Oh, and it's an inheritance from Communist times.