What does the railway do with under 18s in the event of severe disruption?

SWML9102 said:

In the event of disruption the railway has a responsibility to provide a means for a passenger to reach their destination. Potentially a different train company, alternative route, or a replacement bus if the railway is completely out of action.

In the worst case of there being no other option to replace the last service of the day, the railway may provide a taxi to the final destination or, as a last resort, overnight accommodation. In those circumstances, what happens to under 18s - no hotel will take them, and if taxi is an option they are likely to refuse unaccompanied minors on the basis of child protection.

Are they given over to the care of the police? I can't think of another option!

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BoroAndy said:

As a taxi driver, I have to say the under 18 thing is not correct. All (legal) taxi drivers need to be fully dbs checked and passed, most do school contract work and may often convey minors. In simple words, if they are untrustable, they should be off the road. Maybe a phone call to a parent or guardian could help decision making though. I could add a bit more, which happens in real life, when parents make these decisions, but I won't due to it being in the realms of possible sexism and racism. The best result would always be to use a local taxi company who has an office where someone can go to personally to raise any issues.

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Watershed said:

I commuted to school by train from the age of 11, changing trains at a major station. In fact it was that commute which probably got me into trains!

Even during all those 7 years the disruption was never bad enough that the railway organised a taxi from what I recall. There were always alternative routes or buses.

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mmh said:

Sorry, but that's not accurate. Individual children without chaperones are driven to school in saloon taxis hired by councils.

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