labour MSP calls for ‘people’s Scot Rail’
LABOUR last night called for the SNP to deliver a publicly owned rail service.
The move follows hints that the Scottish Government may be preparing the ground by narrowing down the options to take over the ScotRail contract.
The service is currently run by Dutch firm Abellio.
Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said he wants to “level the playing field” for future rail franchises.
He is looking at which of the five public sector options offers the best deal for passengers, finance and staff.
Yousaf is expected to rule on his chosen option after Parliament returns from the summer break on September 3 .Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “If the SNP are considering allowing public sector bids for ScotRail, we would welcome this move.
“However, the reality is this risks being a decade too late for Scotland’s rail passengers – public satisfaction with ScotRail is now at a 14-year low.
“Before awarding the franchise to Abellio, the SNP Government could have listened to Labour and the trade unions and waited for the new powers that were being delivered to the Scottish Parliament to bring our railways back into public hands.
“Now, after pressure from Labour and the trade unions, the SNP must follow our lead and pledge to deliver a People’s ScotRail.”