‘Ghost trains’ to run through Hackney, warn campaigners

Ghost-train busters: TSSA campaigners protesting outside Hackney Wick station Photograph: TSSA

Travelling by train from Hackney could mean taking “ghost trains”, say campaigners, thanks to a government push to reduce staff on trains and at stations.

Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) held a demonstration outside Hackney Wick station on 17 July after Transport for London decided to remove guards from London Overground trains.

Angela Khodeir, TSSA Community Organiser, said Hackney Wick overground station is at risk of further staff cuts due to its low revenue compared to larger stations.

She said: “It’s a complete cost-cutting exercise and will make the trains less safe.

“Guards are licensed to go onto the track, which stations staff are not, meaning that in the event of a track based incident, such as a train crash, there is someone other than the driver who can manage the situation.”

The decision by TfL follows the government’s McNulty report that looked into how transport services could provide “efficiency and value for money”.

It recommended that guards be removed from trains and ticket officers be replaced by ticket machines at stations.

Ms Khodeir said: “The staff at our station are essential and we will not allow them to be cut.

“The main thing that will stop them is the community putting pressure on TFL and the Mayor of London to put services above profits.”

Jonathan Fox, Director of TfL London Rail, said: “The new arrangements are the same as those we are already successfully using on 60 per cent of the network.

“The technology in place across London Overground means that a conductor is no longer needed to ensure the safety and security of passengers or manage the operation of the train doors.

“Using this proposed modern system would save £5 million each year, which could then be reinvested in the railway for the benefit of our passengers.

“It also has the potential to cut the time that trains stand still at platforms – meaning better, quicker journeys.”

He added: “All London Overground stations will continue to remain staffed while trains are running, with trained staff available to help disabled passengers who require assistance.”

 For more information go to Together for Transport.