Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Transport Update

13 December 2022 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Mark Harper Con Forest of Dean

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The statement addresses ongoing issues with rail services in the North due to driver shortages and industrial action.
  • Short-term measures include increasing the number of drivers employed by Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express.
  • Long-term plans aim to break dependence on rest day working agreements and establish a more reliable railway system.

Issue summary

The statement addresses ongoing issues with rail services in the North due to driver shortages and industrial action.

Action requested

Short-term measures include increasing the number of drivers employed by Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express, while long-term plans aim to break dependence on rest day working agreements and establish a more reliable railway system. The minister encourages unions to support these efforts for passenger benefit and economic growth in the North.

Key facts

  • In July 2022, Avanti West Coast faced a cessation of driver volunteering for rest days.
  • TransPennine Express services are impacted by loss of rest day working and high staff sickness levels.
  • Services have increased to 7 trains per hour on the Manchester-London route.
  • The RMT called off strike action scheduled for December 11 and 12.
  • ASLEF rejected a generous revised offer from TransPennine Express without putting it to members.
  • A meeting with Northern mayors in November agreed on short-term and long-term measures.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy