Say NO to FirstGroup bidding for Scotrail in 2014

Rail travel in the UK is the worst in Europe with a 40% efficiency gap and 30% greater costs than European competitors. Rail companies have done nothing over the last decade except watch profits flood in, despite eye-watering fare increases, as there has been no improvement in passenger unit cost over a decade. These facts are laid out in the damning McNulty Report. Rail companies exploit weak regulatory regimes and FirstGroup made £5m six-monthly profit in 2011 from its rail business alone. In Scotland, with a single franchise, rail travel is appalling, overpriced and insufferable, especially to commuters, despite record sums of taxpayers money invested in infrastructure in Scotland. There is a chance to make a difference and make our voice heard. FirstGroup must be disqualified from bidding for the 2014 ScotRail franchise. This will send a message that it is no longer acceptable to exploit passengers with contempt. The only way to do this is through a demonstration of public anger. Sign this petition and send a message to the Scottish Government: FirstGroup must not be allowed near the rail network.