Drivers' ballot is disappointing
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
As a fairly regular user of the service, although not seriously inconvenienced by the strikes and consequent disruption, I am very aware of the damage to our town and regular commuters and the damage to the reputation of the railways.
During the time of the recent negotiations with ASLEF the service had returned to normal with the on-board supervisors (guards) reverting to assisting to passengers and drivers only operating the doors.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIf anything the punctuality was better than before the strikes started.
This is what Southern is trying to achieve.
It is one aspect of trying to improve the railways to cope with more than doubling of passenger numbers since privatisation in the 1990s.
The vote is doubly disappointing because nearly half the drivers balloted agreed with their leaders and the deal brokered with Southern.
As a passenger I find it very difficult to understand what is so hard for the unions to accept the recommendations of the ORR’s director of railway safety, Ian Prosser.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe oversees one of the safest railway systems in the world, including 30 years of Driver Only Operation.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.