EXTENSION OF DOO, CLASS 387 ROLLING STOCK – GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY

Our Ref: BR2/0146

 

24 July 2024

 

 

Dear RMT Member

 

EXTENSION OF DOO, CLASS 387 ROLLING STOCK – GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY

 

Concerns have been rightly raised over the running of Class 387 services which are operating as Driver Only Operation between Paddington and Didcot Parkway, before reverting to operation by Train Managers for the remainder of the service. This affects services between Paddington and Cardiff Central/Swansea, a line of route with no agreement for DOO services.

 

Unfortunately, there have been several reported incidents over recent weeks whereby services have been dispatched due to either delays or confusion with the operating instructions without a Train Manager. These incidents are currently under investigation, however a revised operating instruction has now been issued by GWR which far from resolving the issues appear to be only a temporary fix for an issue which requires a more permanent resolution.

 

I have therefore written to the company reasserting your union’s position that a Train Manager should be operational through the entirety of such services. Further that all class 387s that have a destination beyond Didcot Parkway or are destined for Reading/Paddington should run with an operational guard, or ideally from Paddington.

 

It is my understanding that these concerns are additionally shared by our sister union ASLEF, who have expressed their views that a resolution to these incidents should see the commitment from your company to provide an operational Train Manager throughout the service.

 

As stated above, I have sought an assurance from GWR that a Train Manager will be booked on services without delay. Additionally, I have suggested that a joint meeting of the Drivers and On Train Divisional Councils be convened to seek an agreement on this matter.

 

I will of course keep you advised of all further developments on this matter, but trust that you are updated for now.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Michael Lynch

General Secretary