PROPOSALS to remove guards from trains using the Trans Pennine and Northern Rail route could put passengers at risk says Warrington North MP Helen Jones.
The MP (pictured right) was speaking after tabling parliamentary questions on the government’s plans to make the service remove guards and run “driver only” trains.
They have also warned that the franchises received too much subsidy and that passengers will have to pay more.
After tabling questions on the consequences for passenger safety the MP said that the answers she received were “totally inadequate”.
“I am worried that many constituents who use these services will be less safe, especially when travelling at night,” said the MP.
“These cuts will particularly hit women as well as older and disabled people who need more help. I am astonished that the government has not carried out an equality impact assessment of its plans.
“In addition there will be a loss of decent jobs which we can ill-afford.
“The government has already hit Warrington commuters by allowing newer carriages from the Trans Pennine line to be taken to the South-East. Now it appears that, as well as leaving us with old, overcrowded trains, they want to make us less safe as well.”
Removing train guards could put passengers at risk warns MP
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
