TSSA – the UK’s second largest rail union – has criticised the Government’s plans to restructure the railway, saying it will do little to reduce the competition, confusion and cost plaguing the industry.

Although Network Rail will have overall responsibility for delivering improved performance, the industry will still be fragmented, with between twenty and thirty organisations - most of whom will be primarily concerned with making a profit - delivering a joined-up public service

For instance, whilst private train operators may be accountable to Network Rail in theory, Network Rail won’t be able to force them to employ more drivers or booking office staff to provide a better service for passengers.

TSSA also criticised the decision to remove responsibility for railway health and safety from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The Cullen Inquiry report into the 1999 Ladbroke Grove train crash recommended keeping rail safety within the HSE, and not adopt a ‘light touch’ approach from within the industry.

Speaking ahead of today’s [Thursday] debate on transport at the Trade Union Congress in Brighton, TSSA General Secretary Gerry Doherty said:

“The Government has rightly recognised that the current industry set-up cannot go on as it has. Radical reform is needed to reduce the competition, confusion and cost inherent in the current structure.

“But the reforms don’t go far enough. They leave in place a plethora of train operators, six track renewal firms, hundreds of contractors, three rolling stock companies, the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail.

“All these bodies are delivering a public service that used to be delivered by one organisation under the direction of the Transport Secretary – does that sound more efficient?

“Ministers are simply playing musical chairs – moving some responsiblities around but changing little.

“Everyone should be concerned that ministers have bowed to the industry’s desire to take safety away from the independent Health and Safety Executive.

“Rail safety should be kept separate from the rest of the industry. Lord Cullen thought it should be kept within the HSE, the public will be surprised that his views are being ignored.”