The British government has announced a reduction in the minimum age for train drivers from 20 to 18 to address staffing shortages in the railway sector, the Department for Transport (DfT) revealed on Tuesday.
This change comes in response to a significant issue—87% of night-before cancellations are attributed to driver unavailability, raising concerns about the reliability of train services. The DfT explained, “With 87% of cancellations being due to driver unavailability, the decision has been made to lower the entry age.”
Currently, the average age of a British train driver is 48, and approximately 30% are expected to retire by 2029. Rail operators frequently rely on voluntary overtime from drivers to ensure that services remain operational, highlighting the need for younger recruits.
The department added that a consultation last year had garnered strong support from the industry regarding the proposed age reduction.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized that this policy change would improve long-term staffing and prevent delays or cancellations resulting from a lack of drivers.
Research from the Rail Safety and Standards Board confirmed that 18-year-olds are capable of safely becoming train drivers. Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers’ union Aslef, also backed the move, noting that many young people interested in the profession often find other employment opportunities at 18, leading to missed opportunities for the industry.
Several European countries, including France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, already permit 18-year-olds to operate trains, and the UK’s Transport for London began offering Underground driver apprenticeships to 18-year-olds in 2007.
Becoming a mainline driver typically involves one to two years of training, and the standards for assessment and qualification will remain the same. The DfT indicated that new job and apprenticeship opportunities could be available as early as December.
Saharareporters
