1,000 signatures reached
To: Sir Richard Leese
Threat to rail services and jobs in the North of England
As a rail passenger I already pay the most expensive fares in Europe. I want fair fares and a properly staffed, safe railway.
I want you to act to guarantee that the Guard will be kept on my rail service. The Guard protects the safety of the train and passengers and provides ticket and travel advice.
I also want to keep ticket offices open and have properly staffed, clean stations and trains with directly employed rail workers who can provide the best possible service to passengers. Please ensure staffing levels are retained to at least their current levels.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Why is this important?
Councils and Councillors now have significant control of railways in the North. Twenty nine Councils make up a new body called “Rail North.” Although Rail North cannot decide whether our railways should be publicly owned (which is what most passengers would prefer!) they will be deciding on many important issues that affect passengers. This includes train service levels and what station and train staff will be available to assist passengers and protect their safety.
One of Rail North’s first big decisions will be to help determine with the government the rail franchise agreements for Northern Rail and Transpennine Express Trains (TPE) services. These agreements start on 1st April 2016, shortly before the local elections in May.
Worryingly the current proposed franchise agreements mean there will be fewer rail staff to help passengers and protect their safety. There are no guarantees that ticket offices will be kept open. And no safeguards that as many stations as possible will have properly trained and directly employed station staff to help passengers. In fact there will be cuts to rail jobs.
