RAIL union Aslef has slammed the Scottish government’s decision to use PFI-style leasing to replace ScotRail’s rolling stock as “economic vandalism.”

The union had backed proposals to use a combination of borrowing powers and raising a “green bond” to finance the new trains as recommended in a recent report compiled by academics at the University of Glasgow.

Researchers argued that alternatives could save a staggering £362 million over the course of a 30-year contract compared with PFI-style leasing — the very method now chosen by the Scottish government 17 years after they claimed to have abolished PFI.

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said: “It is nothing short of economic vandalism. This was a golden opportunity to break with the failed legacy of privatisation.

“There is no credible economic justification for persisting with these flawed private finance models.

“This is a political choice, and it is the wrong one. Once again, the public will pay more so that private companies can profit.  

“Come May’s election, voters will remember the Scottish government is choosing shareholders over passengers.”

Transport Scotland was contacted for comment.