- Conference
- 2023 National Retired Members Conference
- Date
- 10 June 2023
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes with concern how badly served pensioners are by rail services and that matters have gone from bad to worse since privatisation. We are faced with cancellations; overcrowded trains; inadequate staffing at stations, on platforms and on trains; inaccessible platforms; closure of ticket offices; and lack of toilets and refreshment facilities on trains.
The government has been forced to take some rail companies, whose services were especially poor, back into public ownership.
Profits made by privatised companies have been paid to shareholders or to overseas rail companies, some of which are in their public ownership. We are in effect subsidising rail travel in Europe and beyond and providing dividends to shareholders.
Transport by train is an essential public service for many pensioners and lack of services affects older people disproportionately. Pensioners have been amongst the hardest hit because in many instances they have been unable to get assistance in making travel plans; have had problems buying tickets online or using ticket machines; and have been deterred by the high cost of rail fares even with a Railcard. Operators need to be reminded that they owe a duty of care towards vulnerable passengers and without adequate staffing levels passenger safety has been or will be compromised.
Whilst research by Age UK suggests that travel by car is the preferred form of transport for older people, this is not sustainable. The high cost of electric cars will be a deterrent for those pensioners who cannot afford the cost. There are many pensioners who do not have access to their own car, are unable to drive and cannot afford taxi fares.
We must fight to preserve and enhance existing train routes together with an accessible and affordable transport system that is safe and secure but also convenient.
Conference therefore calls on the National Retired Members Committee to liaise with the National Executive Council, Labour Link, the National Pensioners Convention, Scottish Pensioners Forum, Age UK, the Trades Union Congress, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and other relevant organisations to:
1)Campaign for a properly funded, affordable and accessible rail service. A rail transport system that places staffing and service user needs before profits.
2)Campaign for retention of station booking offices, station staff and guards on trains together with improved toilet and refreshment facilities on trains.
3)Campaign for all existing routes to be retained and previously closed stations and routes to be reopened.
4)Campaign for investment in reliable modern rolling stock to ensure it meets current and future demands. A rail service that meets the needs of pensioners and provides a cleaner environment.
5)End rail franchises and bring back the national rail network into public ownership.
6)Call upon UNISON branches and regions to support the national campaign.