Andy McDonald comments on DfT's handling over rail franchise bids

Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Department for Transport’s handling over rail franchise bids, said:

“The Transport Secretary has a woeful track record in awarding public contracts so it’s hard to believe today’s rail announcements will be any different.

“How can Chris Grayling award Abellio the East Midlands rail franchises when the chair of his rail review has said the current system couldn’t continue, and rail operator Stagecoach has today said it isn’t fit for purpose? 

“The disastrous Govia have made a mockery of passengers on both GTR and Southeastern yet this government will allow that company to continue to profit from rail. They should have been stripped of that contract. 

“What’s more, the expulsion of Stagecoach from the rail industry for not backing future pensions payments, once more highlights the vulnerability of the system. Rail franchising is bust and rail passengers across the UK need a Labour government which will deliver public ownership of rail.”