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New trains option for Merseyrail
fleet modernisation his controversy
NEW
trains could be on the Merseyrail network by the early 2020's, as Merseytravel
takes forward plans for a new fleet, but already the RMT have said that they
have safety issues about the plan.
The new trains that are now considered, according to Merseyrail, are:-
"the best option in meeting growing demand on the network and supporting the
Merseyside's economic ambitions, while also presenting the best value for the
public purse."
Who in a press release have said that:- "It follows the development of a
detailed business case over many months which looked at all options from
refurbished stock to new stock now or in future."
Sadly no matter what, the fact is that the current fleet is approaching 40 years
old, is amongst the oldest in the UK and is close to the end of its operational
life. It is though surprising that we have the best rail service in the
UK, so what will happen with new trains should mean Merseytravel will keep
delivering this amazing service. But already questions are being raised as
to the cost of this new "train set."
This new set of trains, if Merseyrail plans go ahead will be delivered to the
line in early 2020 and they hold that they will be the:- "best option to
support the delivery of the City and the region's Long Term Rail Strategy (LTRS)
by providing a fleet that could carry significantly more passengers and run on a
potentially extended network. More immediately, it would build on the
current high levels of performance and customer satisfaction, which are proving
increasingly challenging and costly as the existing fleet ages."
The press release we have been sent goes on to say that:- "A further 40%
increase in passenger numbers is expected by 2028, with some parts of the
Merseyrail network predicted to be way over capacity –160% filled; by 2043. New
trains that can carry more people and with shorter journey times will help meet
growing demand on the network, of which parts are already close to capacity at
peak times."
On paper all this sounds good as does the statement that:- "The faster
journey times and increased capacity would present a significant economic boost
to the City Region, worth an estimated £70m per year and would stimulate the
creation of around 1000 jobs."
So is
the RMT going to put a spanner in the works, and are they correct to do so?
RMT
general secretary Mick Cash said:- "We welcome the principle of new trains
and the plan to cut out the racketeering train leasing companies, but RMT, along
with our sister union Aslef, are opposed to any new driver only or driver
controlled operation. Serious recent incidents on Merseyrail underline the
essential safety role played by guards, and we feel sure that the travelling
public, as well as the region's MPs and councillors, will be horrified at the
thought of trains being run without them. We will work alongside passenger
groups to stop Merseyrail from sliding into the anti-social abyss that we see
opening up elsewhere, with ghost trains and de-staffed stations ending up as a
muggers' paradise. The case for keeping guards is unanswerable and should be
reflected in the bidding process: the bottom line is that we will not hesitate
to defend our members' jobs and public safety."
Now the
union is seeking urgent meetings with Merseytravel and the region's Combined
Authority to demand an input in the commissioning of new rolling stock; and will
do everything in its power to defend nearly 400 jobs under threat.
We are
told that the Merseytravel Committee will take a decision at its meeting on 1
October 2015m as to whether to approve the commencement of the procurement
process for new trains. If agreed, an OJEU notice, which invites bidders to
submit their plans will then be published. Should approval to proceed be
given, it is expected that a preferred bidder would be identified in around 12
months' time, with Merseyside's region leaders then asked to approve the project
going ahead.
Merseytravel has told us that:- "In approving the LTRS, Combined Authority
leaders have already acknowledged the need for a new fleet within the next 30
years, in order to deliver aspirations of Merseyrail services to places such as
Warrington and Crewe. Worth around £400m, the programme which also includes
significant investment in infrastructure such as depots and power supplies,
would be funded at no additional cost to the local tax payer, making use of
finances already set aside."
Said
Merseytravel Chief Executive, David Brown:- "Doing nothing is not an
option. The fleet is amongst the oldest in the UK and we want to ensure that
we're geared up to maintain the high standards people have come to expect from
Merseyrail, as well as ensuring the fleet can cope with a significant increase
in passenger numbers. This is not just about new trains, but what they will
enable us to do. They will help us improve links within and beyond the city
region, supporting our own ambitions and those of the wider 'Northern
Powerhouse' agenda, as well as benefitting us in very real economic terms,
stimulating the creation of jobs and contributing millions of pounds every year
to the Liverpool City Region economy."
But on
3 September 2015, the RMT Regional Organiser John Tilley said:- "Scrapping
guards would fly in the face of the good work we have all done over the last 15
years to make Merseyrail as safe and secure as possible, particularly for
vulnerable passengers travelling alone at night. Merseytravel statement was
speculative and raised more questions than answers; such as how they intend to
get more passengers on trains that are the same size as the existing ones. 2
days ago Merseyrail, which employs our members, refused to rule out compulsory
redundancies, or to confirm that engineering and cleaning staff would transfer
to a new maintenance company should the builder of the new trains also maintain
and clean them. Added together that puts a question mark over nearly 400
Merseyrail jobs; and that is unacceptable."
So what are your views on this issue? Please email our newsroom to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com.
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