That old festive trains debate again...

[djw1981]

No other public services are open over the Christmas period, so why should the railways?

Hospitals, Police, Fire, Coastguard, Emergency medical / dental care, Home Support (Meals on Wheels), Gas, Electricity, Water......all at work.

 

[matrix]

all emergency services, dont think the railway is on the same par

 

[adambro]

The question is not whether employees are prepared to work the days, rather is a service justified. If it is then it should be run, it is up to the TOCs to work out how if they struggle to find staff. I understand a number of people on the forum work in or have connections with the industry and appreciate no one wants to be told they will have to work these days. However, this isn't really the issue, it's the TOCs problem if they can't get people into work on those days and no doubt the likes of the RMT wouldn't allow it to be compulsory.

On the actual issue, that of whether there is enough demand to justify operating a service, I am unsure. As has been noted, there are numerous sporting events etc on boxing day and of course that's when most shops start their sales. However, if any service was based upon paying employees a premium rate then it would be unlikely to be economically viable due to the low passenger numbers. I'd doubt that the government would be able to convince the trade unions to allow them to require TOCs run services.

 

[Metroland]

I've worked Boxing day and several New years when I worked for the railways. I did have the chance to work Xmas day once. There are staff about working, but mainly involved in engineering work. There is a surprising willingness among *some* staff to work, it just depends on the person as always. Some people, believe it or not, hate the idea of spending Christmas with their family, others wouldn't miss it for the world. There are 25% of households without cars, and many more depend on public transport where there are cars. There's also a growing percentage of the population that don't celebrate Christmas.

From the railway's point of view the main disadvantage is missing out on that window to do those really big engineering jobs where you need to shut the lot. That said, if NRs 7-day railway comes about with new ways of track and signalling installation being proposed, who knows.

In conclusion, if they can solve the engineering issues, then I see no reason not to have a basic service on main lines and around large conurbations.

 

[me123]

I think, worse than the railways, is the ommision of ferry services in North-West Scotland. Many of these communities use this is a lifeline service, and Calmac leave people stuck on New Year's Day and Christmas Day.

 

[Tom C]

back to the christmas debate

I work in the rail industry at a depot, I work bank holidays all year, if i want them off I have to book them off

and Ill be buggered if you think ill be working christmas day etc to provide a service, everything starts again boxing day, so we only get the one holiday off

Here Here!!

I would point blank refuse to work Christmas Day and Boxing Day seeing as we get no bank holidays off. Even railway staff deserve some time at home to enjoy the festive season instead of having to pander to people who have nothing better to do over Christmas other than going to swarm the Boxing Day sales.

I worked Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, but then I was working in retail. I'm happy with the extra money from it, but I don't expect the hard-working railway staff to have to give up their days off to run trains for a handful of people.

Summed up in a sentence

I worked Christmas Eve and I am working New Years Eve and New Years Day plus I was back to work on the 27th and it was a complete waste of time.