Rail Covid profits 'a total scandal'

TSSA has today blasted profits at rail and bus group Go-Ahead as "a total scandal" and called for dividend payments to be scrapped. 

Go-Ahead's results reveal a rail operating profit of £6.5 million pounds for the six months to 2 January this year.  

The union, which has members in many of Go-Ahead’s operations including rail operator GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway), says that any profits should be returned to the Treasury as taxpayers have supported rail services throughout this reporting period. 

Manuel Cortes, TSSA General Secretary, said: 

"It’s a total scandal that private rail operator Go-Ahead made millions in profits over the past six months. Our railways have been funded and supported by the taxpayer during this whole period so profits should go back to the Treasury and any talk of paying dividends ditched. 

"Front line station staff have lost their lives to the virus, including many of Go-Ahead’s employees. This financial statement is completely out of touch. 

"Rather than significant extensions of rip off private contracts, the government should seize the historic opportunity to bring our railways into public ownership to be run efficiently for public good."