Rail unions say 'safeguard our guards'

RMT rail union chiefs in Manchester say they can't rule out industrial action over changes to services now that Arriva has taken over the network from Northern Rail.

Union members are angry over what they call the "rail privatisation franchise fiasco".

They claim the German-owned operator's plans will lead to job cuts, worse services and poor passenger safety because half of the trains under the new franchise will only have a driver, with no guard to maintain safety or help disabled passengers.

Arriva Rail North says the start of the franchise marks only the beginning of Arriva’s plans to transform rail travel in the North of England. By injecting a total of £1bn throughout the next nine-years, Arriva’s plans include:

1. New and refurbished trains: Within three years, Arriva will introduce 281 new carriages, fully refurbish the remaining fleet and remove all Pacer trains. All trains will have free WiFi by 2019. 2. More services and faster journeys: A 12 per cent increase in the number of services by 2019 – giving passengers greater choice with over 2,000 more services each week. Beginning in December 2017, new timetables will also provide 100 new through journey opportunities across Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and other regional hubs. 3. More capacity: With more and longer trains, there will be a 37 per cent increase in peak time capacity within the next three years. 4. Improved connections through Northern Connect: Launching in 2019 with new trains, inter-urban Northern Connect services will provide faster city connections through a network of 12 long distance routes. They will provide faster connections to Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield, including new services from Bradford to Manchester Airport and Lincoln to Leeds. Northern Connect services will offer free WiFi, plug sockets, tables, air conditioning and seat reservations. 5. Significant station improvements: Investing in stations to give customers easier access to information and providing new seating and waiting areas. This includes video help points being introduced at 447 stations and customer information screens at more than 160 new locations. 6. Value for money and choice: Creating easier ticketing options, including advanced and off-peak fares – encouraging leisure journeys and reducing peak overcrowding. 7. Northern employees: 45 currently unstaffed stations will be staffed and there will be extended opening hours at 54 locations.

Chris Burchell, Managing Director of Arriva’s UK Trains division, said: “The journey towards a complete transformation in services for customers in the North starts now. Throughout the term of the franchise we will be injecting a multi-million pound investment to deliver a step-change in quality and are excited to now have the opportunity to start delivering on our promises to passengers.

PL

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