Sir, – Time is fast approaching when ScotRail will become “SNP rail’: Having already appointed their person in charge, they look set to go. Not a good start as they have upset the unions with their candidate. I quote Kevin Lindsay, Aslef Scotland organiser, who on hearing the appointment stated: “We need to be getting Scotland back on track with a world-class service that’s affordable and helps meet our climate targets. “Yet days after announcing fare hikes we learn this crucial appointment has been made of someone with no experience of running the railways.” Flexing his muscles, he added: “The transport minister must meet with Aslef and other rail unions immediately if our new service is to be prevented from going off the rails.” His dream of world-class service will never happen when we have unions stuck in the past. A bit of historical data: no state railway has ever run at a profit and they have always been supported by the long-suffering taxpayer. Why? Very few rail users could afford the true costs of a ticket. Given the SNP’s track record this enterprise will be no different. Over the years the unions have played their part aided and abetted by the politicians of the day. How? When their demands are not met they threaten strikes. It has been theorised over several years that rail transport should be in the public domain wholly paid for by the taxpayer and the service be completely free of charge to the users. The concept is not new but will need visionary politicians to implement it. I’m of an age when soon driving will not be a viable proposition and the thought of using any public transport fills me with dismay. Finlay G Mackintosh, Forres.
