The body charged with speaking with one voice for the North of England’s transport has appealed to Northern Rail and the RMT Rail Union to end the disputes which has made rail travel miserable for commuters
Transport for the North has this evening called on both bodies come together and get back around the negotiating table over the disputed centred around the introduction of driver only trains.
The statutory transport body has acted in the interest of the North’s passengers, with the aim to ease significant disruption to passengers during the busy run-up to Christmas.
Transport for the North’s members, made up of civic and business leaders across the North, have agreed a position they hope will encourage all parties to work to resolve the long-running dispute.
In the statement, Transport for the North confirms it does not support removing the second person from trains. It also says that, in helping facilitate further discussions between both parties, it is willing to consider all options that could lead to an agreement.
Weekend services on the network operated by Northern have been severely disrupted, with last Saturday representing the 37th day of strike action by RMT members.
Commenting on the position, Transport for the North’s Chief Executive Barry White said:
“Businesses across the North’s villages, towns and cities are reaching their busiest time of year. Christmas markets are transforming our bustling centres and people want to enjoy all our economies have to offer. But this is being hampered by uncertainty and disruption on the rail network. People are choosing to make other plans as a result.
“It’s apparent that we need to restore confidence in the North’s railways. There needs to be a way forward. Now more than ever, passengers in the North need reliability as they go about what is a busy time for everyone. We urge both parties to begin meaningful discussions as soon as possible.“
