Northern recognised by British Transport Police for work to protect vulnerable people on the railway

NORTHERN has been recognised by British Transport Police for its work to protect vulnerable people travelling on its network.

In a review of the train operator as part of its:- 'Safeguarding On Rail Scheme' accreditation, the force praised the:- "significant amount of work put in to protect and safeguard vulnerable people travelling on your network."

The report went on to say that:- 'it was evident both through interviews and with evidence provided that the Northern Railway Senior Team are dedicated to Safeguarding and have a real desire to continue to build on their foundation and making safeguarding business as usual'.

The Safeguarding on Rail scheme (SRS) was developed by the Department for Transport and British Transport Police in response to the increasing number of vulnerable people using the rail network. For more information, visit:- RailwaycChildren.Org.UK.

The Chief Operating officer at Northern, Matt Rice, said:- "I'm really proud that the efforts of my team have been recognised by British Transport Police. Safeguarding vulnerable people on the railway is everyone's responsibility and I'll bet each and every 1 of my traincrew and Station colleagues could give you an example of a situation that could have ended very different if someone hadn't intervened. To achieve full accreditation in the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme is a testament to our staff and a good opportunity to remind everyone to look out for 1 another."

There is a conductor on-board each and every 1 of Northern's services and customers can always ask them for help and advice or to report suspicious behaviour. Alternatively, they can contact British Transport Police via text on:- 61016.

In September, Northern revealed that its employees were being given special training to help vulnerable people using the railway.

It followed a number of incidents in 2024 when Northern employees came to the aid of customers with potentially life-saving interventions.

In July 2024, a conductor made sure a passenger got swift medical treatment when her condition deteriorated on-board a Northern service. In August 2024, a conductor helped a 13 year old boy in distress while working a service heading to Manchester Piccadilly. And in September 2024, 2 employees at Blackburn Station were praised for finding a missing 8 year old girl.

Northern is the 2nd largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 Stations across the North of England.

Mayor appoints transport big hitter to review winter weather plans after severe disruption on Merseyrail

LIVERPOOL City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has appointed 1 of the UK's most respected transport leaders to review the rail industry's winter weather planning, following this month's severe disruption on the Merseyrail network.

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt will lead an independent and objective review of the rail industry's winter preparations for the Merseyrail network and its response to the snow and freezing temperatures that sparked major disruption on:- 9 January 2025.

The review will also consider the industry's wider winter planning process and whether lessons have been learned from previous cold snaps.

The announcement comes on the same day representatives from Merseyrail, Network Rail and train manufacturer Stadler appeared before the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Transport Committee to explain why the network ground to a halt on 9 January 2025, causing long delays and cancellations, as well as outline the industry's ongoing readiness to deal with winter conditions.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:- "The recent disruption on our rail network was completely unacceptable and had a significant impact on our residents who rely on trains to get to work, school and important appointments. With the appointment of Vernon Everitt to lead this independent review, we're taking a thorough, impartial look at how the rail industry plans for and responds to extreme weather. Vernon brings with him a wealth of experience in the transport sector, and his expertise will be invaluable in ensuring we learn from this and improve our winter preparedness. My priority is making sure that passengers in the Liverpool City Region not only have a reliable transport system, but that they receive clear communication from Merseyrail in the event of impacted services."

Vernon Everitt is also a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Transport for Wales and was previously Transport for London's Managing Director for Customers, Communication and Technology.

The findings of the review will be presented to the next transport committee on:- Thursday, 20 March 2025.

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