Is Southern Rail back on track?

The deal could mark a new era for the beleaguered train franchise.

Southern rail have agreed a deal with drivers union ASLEF which will end strikes by the union.

After months of misery, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for commuters on the southern rail network, after the train drivers union ASLEF reached a deal with the networks operators yesterday.

The deal still needs to be voted through by ASLEF members to come into effect, however.

Details of the deal are as yet unclear, but there has been speculation that the union has agreed that drivers will operate the train doors, in return for a guaranteed extra member of staff on every train.

This deal could help pave the way for the resumption of good service on the troubled franchise. However, the RMT, frozen out of talks, have said that their dispute is still on, despite GTR now offering to speak with them. GTR Chief Operating Officer Nick Brown said “We are ready, willing and able to meet with the RMT.”

The Association Of British commuters, who on Wednesday applied for a judicial review of the governments conduct over the dispute, cautiously welcomed the deal, though stated that they would still be challenging the government in court regardless.

Commenting on the resolution of the Aslef/Southern dispute, Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Jenny Randerson said: “It is welcome news for passengers that ASLEF have reached an agreement with Southern – hopefully passengers will begin to see a more reliable service and better value for money.

“The dispute with the RMT continues to rumble on and this leaves passengers in the dark over when they may receive a consistent service.

“This agreement doesn’t change the fact that we have a failed franchise running a service that has made miseries of the lives of thousands of commuters. It is time the government acted.”