Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effect on job numbers of the introduction of driver-only operating on the Northern Rail and Transpennine Express franchises.

In developing the specification to be included in the Invitation to Tender for the Northern and Transpennine Express franchises the Department has to consider the possible effect of a number of difference scenarios and approaches in a wide range of specification areas. One of these is the possibility of drivers taking increased responsibilities, including for opening and closing the doors. This has already been the norm on parts of the railways for thirty years.

In considering whether to specify such an option we would not be requiring the removal of on-board staff. We recognise the importance that passenger place on the presence of on-train staff and want to make sure that where appropriate all of our operators provide these benefits through an effective staff presence that meets passengers’ needs.