Union condemns West Coast extension

19 June 2014

The franchise is one of nine passenger rail franchises granted either extensions or direct awards since the Department for Transport scrapped the West Coast franchise competition in 2012. ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: 'Today’s announcement once again shows the endemic short-termism in the rail industry. As incumbent operators the train companies have the Department for Transport, taxpayers and passengers over a barrel and can effectively name their price. This is yet further evidence that the rail franchising system is not fit for purpose and should be scrapped.’