Nicola Sturgeon has today confirmed the SNP will go ahead with ScotRail’s plan to cut 250 rail services across Scotland, which was announced earlier this week.
At First Minister’s Questions, Douglas Ross said nationalising rail services will make no difference to working people, claiming that “all the First Minister is doing is replacing ScotRail with SNP-Rail."
The Scottish Conservative leader also criticised the SNP Government for bringing forward plans for a damaging workplace parking tax while households are already struggling with rising bills.
In response, Nicola Sturgeon said “we need to get people out of cars” and passed responsibility for the workplace parking tax onto councils.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “Nicola Sturgeon will go along with ScotRail’s planned journey cuts - and she won’t promise these will be the last cuts to rail services across Scotland.
“All the First Minister is doing is replacing ScotRail with SNP-Rail. It’s a different owner with all the same problems.
“What is the use in nationalising services if the SNP will just do the exact same as ScotRail?
“What can people expect from a nationalised railway service from the same government that can’t build a ship and launches ferries with painted-on windows?
“While public transport services are being cut, her government has turned against motorists too. They’re in favour of a costly workplace parking tax while people are already on the brink with bills increasing and the cost of living rising.
“Nicola Sturgeon admitted today that the government wants to ‘get people out of cars’. The First Minister clearly doesn’t understand that many people, especially in more rural areas, need their cars to do their job.
“A workplace parking tax could be disastrous for businesses and workers. It’s yet another flagship anti-business SNP policy.
“Scottish Conservative councillors will oppose a damaging workplace parking tax every time SNP and Labour-run councils try to bring it forward.”