Scotland keen to invite public sector franchise bid

The Scottish Government wants a public-sector bid for the next ScotRail franchise.

In her Statement to Government on September 5, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We will also do what Conservative and Labour governments have failed to do over many years, and identify a public body that will be able to make a robust, public sector bid for the next ScotRail franchise.”

Abellio won the franchise in 2014, and took over from FirstGroup the following year. Franchises north of the border are awarded by Transport Scotland, which is the transport arm of the Scottish Government. It awards both the SR and Caledonian Sleeper franchises - these were split in the last bidding process.

Following criticism on performance, SR is the UK’s bestperforming long-distance operator, with a 90.9% average Public Performance Measure ( RAIL 835). It will introduce electric trains on the flagship Edinburgh-Glasgow via Falkirk line from December.

The SNP has also called for Network Rail north of the border to be devolved. NR and SR form the ScotRail Alliance, where Alex Hynes is the Managing Director.

Sturgeon added: “We will complete the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, deliver electrification of the railway between Edinburgh and Glasgow, bring on-stream new and refurbished trains, and continue to push ScotRail to meet the highest standards of performance.”