Rushed Scotrail Franchise A Missed Opportunity
Shadow Transport Minister Mark Griffin MSP, has slammed the Scottish Government for their handling of the Scotrail franchise, as Dutch company Abellio are awarded the 10 year contract, currently operated by First Group.
Since becoming Shadow Transport Minister, Mr Griffin has called for greater public control over Scotland’s railways and has criticised the Scottish Government for missing a trick, especially as further devolution on public ownership models could be forthcoming from the Smith Commission.
Speaking after the announcement, Mark said:
“This is a deeply disappointing decision by the Scottish Government.
“I thought that the Scottish Government would have welcomed calls from Scottish Labour and transport unions to suspend the franchise pending the outcome of the post-referendum devolution settlement. In awarding the contract to a company in the Netherlands, they have denied the people of Scotland a greater say over the running of our railways for years to come.
“This was a great opportunity for the Scottish Government to get and use more powers, and put more power in the hands of the people of Scotland. Instead they have chosen to put profits and politics first.”