Deaths on driverless Washington DC Metro system expose lethal reality of automation plans for London Underground

TUBE UNION RMT today warned that London Underground are on the verge of plunging the Capitals tube system into the same lethal cocktail of safety cuts and automation that led to nine people being killed on the Washington DC Red Line service just over two years ago.

Today, the TFL Board will discuss a document entitled London Underground's operational vision, which flags up a future of driverless trains and destaffing of platforms and stations to save money.

RMT Rail Renewals Campaign - Includes LU Track Contractors' charter

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

That we note that a further meeting of our steering group has taken place and that a summary report of the survey among our Renewals members is on file. We also note that the work on the RMT Track Contractors Charter for London Underground is progressing and is about to be launched.

The General Secretary is instructed as follows:

  • To provide any practical and material support and assistance that may be required by our London Underground Engineering Branch for a successful launch of the Charter;

TfL Board To Discuss Driverless Trains, Ticket Office Closure & Reduced Maintenance In Job Cut Board Meeting

The TfL board will discuss the 'Operational Vision' tomorrow November 2nd 2011, which predicts trains without drivers and the closure of all ticket offices by 2016.

LUL's Managing Director Mike Brown's presentation to the Board is attached.

Brown says "Given the technology available now, it is very unlikely that, after the procurement of the trains for the Sub Surface Lines, LU will ever again buy a fleet of passenger trains with conventional drivers’ cabs."

TfL Board To Discuss Driverless Trains

The TfL board will discuss the 'Operational Vision' this week, which predicts trains without drivers and the closure of all ticket offices by 2016.

A document has been released detailing the agenda of the meeting. It says "Given the technology available now, it is very unlikely that, after the procurement of the trains for the Sub Surface Lines, LU will ever again buy a fleet of passenger trains with conventional drivers’ cabs."

The document also makes note of stations saying that ticket office need will decrease and staff will need to become more 'flexible.'

RMT Members Accept LU Pay Offer

RMT General Grades Committee decision:

Total votes cast: 3,339
Number voting Yes: 3,108
Number voting No: 230
Spoilt papers: 1

We note the ovewhelming referendum result from our London Underground members. Accordingly, we instruct the General Secretary to inform the employer of our acceptance of the offer.

Trains Functional and Safety Council representatives

The following resolution was put to the RMT train grades committee:

"This train grades committee notes the election of Brian Munro to the trains funcional council and Gary Fitzpatrick to the trains safety council.

This committee sincerely thanks our outgoing reps Bill O'Dowd and Dave Rayfield for their sterling work on behalf of all train drivers on the combine."

Carried unanimously.