ASLEF renewed its calls for Scottish government to “reject the orthodoxy of a profiteering status quo” today as ScotRail renewed its fleet.

The train drivers’ union spoke out after the Scottish government-owned operator announced it had entered the next phase in procuring 69 new electric and battery-electric trains, with options for up to 37 more.

Scotland’s transport secretary Stephen Flynn hailed the move as “a significant milestone as we work towards a new suburban fleet.”

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay also welcomed the prospect of new rolling stock, but he questioned the Scottish government’s methods.

“Using private rolling stock companies drains much needed financial resource out of our public system, straight into the pockets of private shareholders,” he said.

“As we go forward and look to replace two thirds of our trains in the next 15 years, this model must be replaced with a public financing alternative.

“Research we commissioned last year showed that 25 per cent of every fare purchased goes to servicing payments to private rolling stock companies under the current train purchasing model.

“This current procurement process must mark the last time this way of procuring trains” is used.

Urging ministers to adopt the union’s plans to finance new trains through the issuing of “Green bonds” and divert profiteers’ cash into fresh investment and cutting fares, he added: “This would help Scotland meet its environment targets and grow and stimulate the economy by putting more disposable income in the pockets of rail travellers to spend in their local economies. 

“We once again ask the Scottish government to reject the orthodoxy of a profiteering status quo and instead look to get the best possible value for the public purse by using green bonds to purchase new trains.”