RMT reveals plan to remove guards from trains

The RMT rail union has exposed secret plans to remove guards from busy commuter trains in London.

Firms bidding to run the London Rail Concession from 2010 have been told by Transport for London (TfL) that driver-only trains could be operated on the North London and West London lines – both of which are currently guarded – from late 2011.

TfL intends the proposed new franchise to include the East London Line when it re-opens after extension in 2010 – the first privatisation of a London Underground line.

“It will be bad enough if the privateers get their hands on the East London Line, but it beggars belief that they will be given a free hand to remove nearly 100 guards from commuter trains just in time for the Olympics,” said RMT general secretary Bob Crow. “That is absolutely crazy, and RMT will fight it all the way.”