Media centre

Friday 1 Apr 2005

TRAIN DRIVER ACTION OVER IVRS AVERTED

Region & Route:

National

Network Rail is pleased to announce that a resolution has been found for the issue of how train drivers use the interim voice radio system (IVRS), averting planned action by members of the ASLEF union that would have disrupted passenger and freight services. An interim agreement that has been reached will allow drivers to reduce their speed to 40mph in the unlikely event of a failure of the IVRS communications system – which has been extremely reliable during its two-year trial period. A commitment has been made by the rail industry through the Rail Safety & Standards Board to come to a long term agreement with ASLEF. Speaking after a meeting with train drivers’ union ASLEF and the train operating companies, a Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are pleased that a resolution has been found and that disruption for rail passengers has been avoided.  We thank all the parties involved for a constructive, common-sense discussion.” Discussions took place between the parties following an announcement by ASLEF earlier in the day that their members intended to take action from next Monday, which would have disrupted train journeys across the country.