A RAIL operator responsible for one of Britain’s most disastrous services has more than doubled its profits to £82.1 million.

First Group last month lost its franchise to run TransPennine Express rail services in northern England after being identified as the worst operator in the country for cancelled and delayed services.

Its previous annual profits were £36.2m.

Marios Alexandrou, interim president of rail union TSSA which represents administrative, technical and managerial staff, said: “First Group’s profits announcement shows just how broken the franchising system is.

“Last month First Group lost the TPE contract as a result of poor management. Avanti, GWR and SouthWestern have been hit by rail strikes. Yet First are still making eye-watering profits because under the franchise system the taxpayer reimburses train operating companies for loss of earnings due to strike action.

“It’s high time all the railways were taken into public ownership and profits reinvested in better services for everyone.”