Caledonian MacTrain! Can ferry firm run the railways?
THE main operator of Scotland’s ferries has confirmed it is interested in taking over train services despite admitting it has no ‘experience in rail’.
Bosses at Caledonian MacBrayne have told Transport Scotland they are ‘willing to talk’ about leading a public sector bid for ScotRail.
The Scottish Government has confirmed it will draw up such a proposal to take control of the £2.5billion franchise.
It is understood to be looking at either getting an existing company such as CalMac to take forward the bid or setting up a new company.
The present contract is run by Dutch operator Abellio and is not due to expire until 2025. However, a ‘break clause’ allows Transport Scotland to end it in 2020 if performance deteriorates.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond yesterday told Holyrood’s rural economy committee: ‘We have indicated our interest in having a discussion with Transport Scotland about the possibility of us operating a rail service but the key thing for us is, what is the shape of that rail service?’
He said questions still need to be answered about the ‘nature of the contract’, including issues around the ‘transfer of risk’.
CalMac chairman David MacGibbon admitted ‘we don’t have any experience in rail’. He added: ‘We’ve not had detailed conversations but we’ve indicated to Transport Scotland we’re willing to talk.’
Scottish Labour transport spokesman Colin Smyth said: ‘Unlike the SNP, Labour supports rail services run for people not profit – and it is unacceptable but unsurprising that CalMac has not been approached about public ownership of our railways by the Nationalists.
‘Transport Minister Humza Yousaf keeps saying he is committed to a public sector bid but it seems he is doing very little to make it happen and spends all his time as a cheerleader for rail privatisation.’
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: ‘Our consistent view over many years is that there ought to be a level playing field between the private and public sector in bidding for rail franchises.’
A ScotRail spokesman said: ‘We are investing £475million in Scotland’s railways. These improvements are part of our plan to build the best railway Scotland has ever had and we fully expect to see this work through to completion when the franchise expires in 2025.’
During the meeting, Mr Drummond apologised for disruption to services caused by repairs to CalMac vessel, the MV Clansman.
‘Cheerleader for rail privatisation’