Announcing a consultation on setting minimum service levels for
passenger rail Transport Minister said:
Our railways play an important role in connecting communities and
keeping the economy moving. Whether it’s traveling to a medical
appointment, school, work or to visit a relative, for many, our
railways are a lifeline.
Over the last year, passengers, through no fault of their own,
have been subject to severe disruption on the railways due to
sustained industrial action. This has had a nationwide impact. It
has stopped key workers getting to work, children going to
school, and restricted people’s access to essential services such
as hospital care.
The government recognises the importance of workers’ ability to
take strike action, and this will be protected. Recent industrial
action, though, has demonstrated how strikes disproportionately
impact people from accessing the services they require.
The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which is currently
before Parliament, will set a legislative framework to balance
workers’ ability to strike with the public’s ability to get to
work and access vital services.
Today (20 February 2023), I am pleased to confirm that
a consultation on setting
minimum service levels for passenger rail has opened and
will run for 12 weeks from 20 February to 15 May.
The department is seeking views from the public, from the rail
sector, trade unions and wider industries to develop a more
detailed understanding of the impact of strike activity and how
minimum service levels might be applied for passenger rail to
reduce the disruptions caused by strikes.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation, and the Strikes
(Minimum Service Levels) Bill receiving Royal Assent, minimum
service levels for passenger rail would then be delivered through
regulations.
