Light at the end of the tunnel: Southern rail owner and RMT to meet for fresh talks next week after Aslef deal February 3, 2017 The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has agreed to meet with Southern rail's parent company for fresh face-to-face talks, in an effort to settle its long-running dispute over the role of the guard. It comes after an agreement was reached between Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and train drivers' union Aslef in their row, which should bring an end [...]
All you need to know about next week’s massive Tube strike February 3, 2017 Just in: next week's Tube strikes have been suspended after last-ditch talks were held this week between the RMT union and London Underground bosses. There was going to be more strike action next week with more than 3,000 members of the RMT union planning to walk out over ticket office closures and job cuts. Read more: Every [...]
The story behind the Tube strike – a new era of ‘smart travel’ beckons February 3, 2017 Next week’s proposed strike action is yet again set to cause travel misery across the capital. However, amidst the inevitable swathe of discontent as commuters take to crowded buses, bikes, and hit the pavement in a desperate bid to make it into the office, we should take this opportunity to look at the bigger picture. [...]
Next week’s Tube strikes are off: RMT suspends action February 3, 2017 Planned Tube strikes for next week have been suspended, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has announced. It had met with London Underground (LU) bosses this week at conciliation service Acas to try and avoid more strike action taking place from Sunday. More than 3,000 of the union's members were poised to walk out from 6pm on Sunday until [...]
No more misery? Southern rail deal announced between the train operator and union Aslef February 2, 2017 A deal has been agreed in the long-running dispute between Southern rail and train drivers' union Aslef, in the wake of fresh talks. It is expected to bring the row over the so-called driver-only operated trains to a close, subject to a referendum of Aslef members. The ballot of Aslef drivers on whether to accept the deal [...]
Southern commuters launch legal claim as DfT faces fresh scrutiny over its handling of the crisis with National Audit Office investigation February 1, 2017 Southern rail commuters announced today they have launched a legal claim in an attempt to force the government to take action over the service. An application for a judicial review of the Department for Transport's (DfT) handling of the crisis has been filed by lawyers for the Association of British Commuters. A group spokesperson said: "It is right that [...]
Good news: UK train ticket pricing is getting an overhaul February 1, 2017 It's been a tough few months for train travellers – but finally, there's some good news. The UK's ticket pricing system is getting a much-needed facelift to scrap overpriced routes and make it easier for passengers to buy the cheapest tickets. Some fares for longer, connecting train journeys will be removed because cheaper options exist. [...]
The Department for Transport pledges to improve accessibility on trains for disabled people February 1, 2017 The Department for Transport (DfT) has committed to improving disabled access to toilets on trains and stages. Clearer information will be made about the availability of accessible toilets in advance of journeys and the DfT will work with train companies to assess how staff training can be improved. It added that where facilities are out [...]
Talks get underway to avoid fresh Tube strikes after RMT union agrees to sit down with London Underground bosses January 31, 2017 Fresh talks are taking place today in a late effort to avoid more strike action on the London Underground, planned for this Sunday. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is meeting with LU bosses at conciliation service Acas. An RMT spokesperson said yesterday: "RMT has been available for further talks throughout the weekend and [...]
More chaos in the capital: Two new Tube strikes to go ahead in February with more in the works for March January 27, 2017 London Underground workers have said they will stage fresh walkouts, with a 16-hour strike from 5 February and a 15-hour one from the 7 February. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union announced the new dates as a row continued to rage over jobs and Tube ticket office closures. Talks had been taking place at conciliation service Acas in an [...]