McInnes criticises SNP approach to rail franchise decision

11.50.49pm GMT Fri 28th Nov 2008

Following the publication of Audit Scotland's report on the extension of the First ScotRail franchise, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Alison McInnes MSP criticised the Government's slapdash approach to decision-making.

Commenting, Mrs McInnes said:

"This report has confirmed our fears that the process the Minister and Transport Scotland followed in awarding First Group this extension was deeply flawed.

"There was no proper consultation with external stakeholders and now we discover that the Transport Minister didn't even have a documented business case for the extension. It beggars belief that this simple first step wasn't taken before the Minister made a final decision.

"These mistakes cannot be undone, but the Scottish Government must make sure this fiasco is not repeated. Transport Scotland needs to act quickly on Audit Scotland's recommendations. They must improve transparency and accountability by making all relevant information on the franchise contract, and consultation arrangements, readily available to the public."

Commenting on the finding that the Transport Scotland's Director of Finance and Corporate Services holds shares and share options in FirstGroup, Mrs McInnes said:

"I am concerned that report identified weaknesses in the management of any potential conflict of interest. Transport Scotland has to be completely transparent on these matters. Scotland deserves nothing less from its public servants."