A third class railway?
REDUCTIONS IN SERVICES AND STAFFING ON GREAT WESTERN RAIL SERVICES
The RMT Union have written to draw our attention to their campaign regarding the new InterCity Express Programme trains
They suspect government and train operating company plans for implementing the multibillion pound Intercity Express trains, which will ultimately be funded by the taxpayer and fare-payer, could see significant staffing and service cuts to the Great Western rail service.
General Secretary Mike Cash said: "We understand that the new trains to be introduced from 2017/18 could have the buffet car removed, meaning that hot food and meals will only be available in first class whilst other passengers will be forced to rely on a trolley-only service for long, often crowded, journeys. We are perturbed that this two tier "upstairs-downstairs" catering service is under consideration when passengers already pay the highest rail fares in Europe.
"We are further alarmed that driver only operation is also proposed for these trains which would downgrade the train guard's safety operational role and increase risks to passengers by restricting responsibility for safe operation of the train to the driver. Furthermore passenger safety and service could be jeopardised if the new trains are used as cover for de-staffing stations, particularly train dispatch staff.
"Threats to skilled rail maintenance workers' jobs in these proposals would further impact on passenger safety and service and exacerbate the rail industry and regions skills crisis.
"These cuts are a false economy and we believe that an expanding, affordable, accessible and properly staffed Great Western Railway is vital for economic growth, tackling social inequality, improving social mobility and protecting our environment.
"We urge you to support our campaign to protect the interests of passengers and the communities who rely on these rail services by ensuring the new IEP trains retain the buffet car and safety operational role of the guard and do not result in station de-staffing."