The operator of the ScotRail franchise has banked nearly £100 million in profits since 2008, Scottish Labour has claimed.
The party has published the figures as part of its campaign to get the bidding process for the new ScotRail franchise suspended until the new devolved powers for Holyrood are sorted out.
UK Government rules mean the ScotRail franchise has to be privately run, but transport minister Keith Brown last week told the Post a relaxation of this rule should be part of the new package of powers, opening the door to Scotland’s railways to be run by the public sector.
Labour infrastructure spokesman James Kelly produced figures which show First ScotRail has made nearly £100m in profit since 2008, with £95m of that going to shareholders.
He said: “These huge profits will give commuters across Scotland pause for thought. With the majority of profit going to shareholders rather than invested in services and jobs the public will be entitled to believe there could be a better option.”
But The Scottish Government has warned a suspension weeks before the franchise competition is to end would “result in massive and unnecessary costs to the public purse.”
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