New Stagecoach legal action shows franchising system beyond reform – McDonald

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary,
commenting on reports that Stagecoach, Virgin and SNCF are taking legal
action against the Department for Transport over the West Coast
franchise:

“Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s oversight of departmental procurement gets worse with each passing week.

“The news that four transport groups are now taking legal action
against his department over its handling of two rail franchising
processes shows that this system is beyond reform. It is failing on its
own terms but Chris Grayling refuses to see it.

“Labour’s plans to bring track and trains together under one public
company will deliver the affordable fares and reliable rail services
passengers desperately need and deserve.”