PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
NORTHERN LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND STAFFING OF TRAINS (16 June 2015)

That this House notes that the Department of Transport have agreed with numerous passenger surveys that passengers highly value a member of staff in addition to the driver on trains; welcomes that under railway regulations maintaining the operational role of a guard/conductor guarantees that a second member of staff is on board the train at all times to assist in protecting the safety of the train and passengers and provide ticket and travel advice; further welcomes that this protection for passengers currently applies for Northern Rail and TransPennine Express passenger services; is concerned, however, that despite big increases in passenger numbers and the objections of a number of local authorities in the North, the proposed new franchise agreement will not maintain the role of the guard/conductor on Northern Rail services and therefore weakens the protection for passengers; further notes that 30 northern local authorities through the Rail North umbrella organisation will have a key role in overseeing and improving the franchise; and calls on Rail North to protect rail jobs and passenger safety and service by developing the franchise agreement to retain the current role of the guard/conductor, keep ticket offices open and ensure proper staffing at as many stations as possible.

Sponsored by:
Ian Mearns (Labour)