Scottish Greens: Nationalisation plans only first step to improving railways
Scottish Greens have welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to take the railways under public ownership.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson has confirmed ministers will not renew Scotrail operator Abellio’s contract and instead run the railways under an arm’s length company.
Responding, Scottish Greens transport spokesperson John Finnie said: “Greens have long called for public ownership of our railways, so we welcome this progress from the Scottish Government.
“Given Wales brought railways into public ownership last year, this has been a long time coming. Nationalisation of services is just the first step towards a greener, integrated public transport system which serves communities not shareholders.
“I would urge the Scottish Government to look at the Scottish Greens £22bn ‘Rail For All’ plans to modernise and upgrade Scotland’s railways, which included proposals to electrify lines and increase capacity across the network.”