Union boss calls for Merseyrail to be nationalised

Mick Lynch said re-privatising Merseyrail services would be a "betrayal" of passengers

The leader of the UK's main transport union Mick Lynch has called for Merseyrail train services to be put into public control.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the train operator company could be given the chance to extend its terms beyond the end of its contract in 2028.

But Mr Lynch, general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' (RMT) Union, said re-privatising the service would be a "betrayal" of passengers.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said "all options are being explored" about the future of the rail service.

Mr Lynch said he intends to ask Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram to bring the service in house in three years time.

He said: "Since the contract has started in 2003 an eye-watering £212m in dividends has been fleeced off in profits, money that could have been spent cutting fares and improving services, as well as insourcing outsourced contracts."

Merseyrail's contract is due to expire in 2028

In 2003, a concession was awarded to a joint venture of Serco and then Abellio, known as Merseyrail Electrics (2002) Ltd to run the region's trains.

City region leaders will begin the process of deciding who is best to provide services for the thousands of passengers who use the rail network every single day.

An extension proposal has been received from Merseyrail, and if members agree combined authority officers could then enter into negotiations with the company.

According to a report to go before the combined authority later this week, initial exploratory dialogue with Merseyrail has indicated "there could be a number of significant benefits from the proposal over and above the existing agreement."

A significant public subsidy for the network is provided by the Department for Transport (DfT) and any decisions would require consultation with central government.

A statement from the combined authority said: "We are obligated to investigate and equally evaluate all options so the right decision can be made in good time."

It said its first priority was the delivery of "high performing, high quality, value-for-money rail service.