Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Not Addressed
Utilise specific criteria to measure the success of minimum service levels for rail, including passenger satisfaction.
Conclusion
Looking to the future, the following criteria should be used by the Department to assess the success of a minimum service level for rail (Paragraph 74): 30 Minimum service levels for rail j) Industrial disputes have neither been prolonged nor increased. Novel industrial action has not proliferated; k) Passenger satisfaction on strike days is greater than at present. Passengers have access to clearly communicated information in relation to service operation, and greater certainty, further in advance than at present, about travel on strike days. l) Long term, there is more effective cooperation and better working relationships between rail unions, the industry and government. (Paragraph 74) Minimum service levels for rail 31
Government Response Summary
The government's response details the design and flexibility of the minimum service levels (MSLs). It does not, however, address the committee's recommendation to use specific criteria for assessing the success of MSLs.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The department is confident that MSLs will cover the different patterns of strike action observed in recent disputes and have been designed flexibly to cover future disputes and action. Following feedback received in the public consultation, the approach the government has taken consists of two MSLs for heavy rail related services, and a single MSL for light rail services. The two MSLs for heavy rail related services can work together. Where staff at an infrastructure manager providing in-scope services (such as Network Rail) are on strike, then the infrastructure manager can issue work notices which will list the staff reasonably 6 For those who had planned to travel during strikes in July-October 2022, 12% reported that their trains were more overcrowded than usual (figure 2, page 22). https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1150225/rail-strikes-understanding-the-impact-on-passengers-full-report. pdf necessary to enable the priority routes to be kept open during the specified hours for trains running on those routes. Where staff at an in-scope train operator is on strike, the train operating company can issue work notices which will list the staff reasonably necessary to provide the train operation services necessary to operate the equivalent of 40% of the timetabled services. Where both staff at an infrastructure operator and a train operator are on strike, then the MSLs can fit together – i.e. the train operator will operate the equivalent of 40% of its train services on the priority routes that are, by virtue of use of the infrastructure services MSL, kept open during the strike. This approach of two separate MSLs: one applying to the network (infrastructure) and the other to the train operations, allows the rail industry to respond flexibly depending on the circumstances of strike action. A different approach has been taken for light rail, reflecting that light rail systems are integral systems, setting their own timetables and running their own infrastructure. Criterion D Under a minimum service level there will likely be groups of specialised staff who are required to work more than others because of their job role. The greater responsibilities placed on those who must work on strike days to provide a minimum service must be reflected in pay and conditions. Resilience in staffing must be improved so that there are trained alternatives able to cover for specialised staff who may want to exercise their right to strike.