We cannot continue down the same path if we want Scotland to have an affordable and sustainable rail system fit for the 21st century. Worryingly, we seem to be going in the wrong direction, plans to cut 100,000 annual services from May next year. This is disastrous at a time when we want to increase passenger numbers and encourage people onto public transport.
But there is an alternative, as this new report by the rail unions sets out. We need a fully staffed and publicly run service that is not run for private profit, with ScotRail and the Serco operated Caledonian Sleeper brought under permanent public ownership. We need a new board with local politicians, passengers and all four trade unions represented. And we need a full investment plan for infrastructure to help grow the economy and ensure Scotland meet its environmental ambitions.”