Warning issued as social distancing delaying rail training for drivers in West Yorkshire

Rail services in West Yorkshire are expected to return to more normal levels later this month – but there have been warnings that social distancing measures are causing “serious” issues with training drivers.
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The cramped cabs in trains are making it difficult for drivers to be taught how to drive trains, as it is almost impossible for the trainee and the trainer to maintain a two metre distance.

With new style trains coming into use, which requires drivers to re-train on the new models, the problem is impacting how quickly services can get back to normal as the area emerges from lockdown.

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A report going to West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee on Friday highlights the problem, and points out that the pool of trained drivers is gradually declining.

Halifax train stationHalifax train station
Halifax train station

Members will hear that in the past few weeks demand for many rail services has gradually increased.

The rail service is currently operating at 30 per cent, and “social distancing is possible on most services.”

As well as people returning to work there has been an increase in rail travel for leisure use – with service to Ilkley and Skipton proving some of the most popular.

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People have “generally” stuck to rules regarding face masks.

Last year new style trains were finally rolled out on local lines. However, there were some teething pains. The late delivery of trains meant there was a delay in training drivers on the new models.

This in turn led to a number of services being cancelled due to a lack of drivers.

The report details the further impact social distancing has had on driver training. It says: “The challenge of maintaining social distancing in the confines of an enclosed train cab is delaying full resumption of driver training.

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“A trial has begun but with very limited numbers at this stage.

“In turn this is impacting on how quickly services can be added back into the timetable.

“This restriction of newly qualified drivers is emerging as a serious constraint, as existing drivers retire or otherwise move on the available pool of drivers is gradually declining, compounded by several new types of trains. Trails are underway to test safe ways of working, and early results are positive.”

Members will hear that from Monday September 14 a number of routes will see a return of many services, with the report saying: “It is expected to mark a major step towards returning services to their normal levels, although they will still not be 100 per cent normal as resources are still restrained.”

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For Northern Rail, 88 per cent of usual services will be back to normal levels.

These include the weekday resumption of normal services on the local Wharfedale and Airedale line services and services between Bradford and Huddersfield. The Leeds via Bradford to Huddersfield service will return to normal Sunday running.

Grand Central, currently only operating two trains per day between Bradford / Halifax and London will be offering a full timetable by September 21. LNER will see a step up of services this month to approximately 85 per cent of their usual timetable for weekday services and Transpennine Express will begin to run at 86 per cent of their usual services.