Door row threatens rail link opening

Published on Thursday 3 December 2009 21:30

A DISPUTE over train safety threatens to delay the opening of a new rail link between Edinburgh and Glasgow next year.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) yesterday launched a campaign for conductors, rather than ticket examiners, on trains on the 300 million route via Airdrie and Bathgate.

Conductors control train doors on routes they operate, but ScotRail wants this to be performed by drivers on the new line – as has happened on most of its other electric trains for 25 years. A group of Labour MSPs backing the union fear for passenger safety after ScotRail admitted there may be "limited occasions" when no ticket examiner is on the train. By contrast, other trains cannot run without conductors.

Former transport minister Sarah Boyack said: "We are looking for a clear statement that there will always be a second person on the train. In terms of personal safety, that's vital."

RMT general-secretary Bob Crow said: "The RMT will be mobilising public and political support with the objective of making sure passengers have the reassurance of having a trained guard close at hand when they are using ScotRail's new service."

ScotRail said adapting the trains so doors could be operated by conductors would cost 1.4m and add 330,000 to wage bills as conductors are paid nearly 25 per cent more than ticket examiners.

In a letter to MSPs last night, ScotRail managing director Steve Montgomery said: "It is disappointing the scheduled reopening of the (line] is at risk in a dispute over which member of staff on the train will open and close the doors."