Now is the time to end the rail franchise system and bring our
railways back under public ownership, says Scottish Labour.
It comes as the Transport Salaried Staffs'
Association (TSSA) today demanded the Scottish
Government explains it reluctance to follow the Welsh Government
example and renationalise rail services now, as passenger numbers
tumble.
Responding to the Scottish Government consultation exercise on
the future of the Abellio ScotRail franchise, TSSA General
secretary Manuel Cortes said: “No private operator is going to be
able to turn a profit from ticket sales alone so the only
incentive to private operators would be the subsidy from the
public purse.”
Scottish Labour has said more public subsidy for private rail
firms - including handing out hefty management fees - is
unacceptable and that the Scottish Government should follow the
Welsh Government’s lead, end the current Abellio ScotRail and
Caledonian Sleeper franchises, and bring both under public
ownership and control.
Scottish Labour transport spokesperson said: “Before the pandemic, rail passengers
faced constant delays, cancellations, overcrowding and price
hikes – not the world-leading service we were promised by the
SNP.
“It’s clear from the Scottish Government’s budget for the year
ahead that the SNP plans to prop up private rail firms with
taxpayers’ money for some time to come.
“There is growing support for a publicly-owned and run rail
system that works puts passengers first, not the profits of
private rail firms. It’s high time the SNP kicked the franchise
system into touch and got on board.”
ENDS
NOTES FOR EDITORS
TSSA Draft Franchising Policy Statement response to Scottish
Government attached.
https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-202000090537/
