
Policies
TSSA's policies for good quality, affordable and integrated public transport system, run in the public interest
Sections
Transport policy
As a union organised in the transport industries in the UK and the Republic of Ireland TSSA takes a very keen interest in all aspects of transport. TSSA campaigns for a good quality, affordable and integrated public transport system that is accountable and run in the public interest. We believe that public transport should be regarded as both a service for the people who use it and a major asset at every level in each of the nations where we organise. As such, our view is that public transport should be publicly owned and not open for private sector profit extraction.
Our policy, as determined by TSSA’s Annual Delegate Conference, is highly critical of the fundamental structure of the passenger rail industry which remains seriously flawed with the train operators and others putting their private interests ahead of those of the public. TSSA’s concerns include:
- Rail fares in the UK are the most expensive in Europe;
- Passengers are expected to pay even higher fares to fund investment in the rail network;
- Advance purchase fares are not regulated by the Department for Transport in the same way as season tickets and open tickets;
- Train operating companies immunity from any real commercial risk;
- Rolling stock ownership and leasing is dominated by a few highly profitable enterprises;
- The apparent ease with which train operators are able to reduce ticket office facilities in terms of opening hours, numbers of windows etc., and
- Excessive reward for a small number of railway industry executives paid for from fare revenue and, to a greater or lesser extent, subsidies from the public purse.
TSSA believes that these problems can only be overcome by an industry that is publicly owned and democratically accountable to the public with services being run in the interests of passengers, not for company profits.
The publication in May 2021 of the UK Government’s Williams Shapps Plan for Rail Reform will introduce change in the rail industry with the formation of Great British Railways and replace existing private train operating company contracts with public service arrangements. Fundamentally, however, it retains private sector involvement, ensuring the continuance of company profits as the priority for many firms.
TSSA’s Annual Delegate Conference regularly reaffirms our long standing policy for a publicly owned and accountable rail industry run on a not-for-profit basis, or where profits are generated such profits are re-invested in the industry.
Public transport’s contribution
All forms of public transport have a contribution to make in resolving many problems, none more so than the climate emergency that the world faces. Transport as a whole generates over 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest emitting sector of the economy. However, rail in the UK only contributes 1% to those emissions whilst carrying nearly 10% of those travelling and 9% of all freight moved. A single freight train can remove up to 76 HGV journeys from the country’s roads which also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and increased road safety. Public transport also has a significant part to play in regeneration and economic development as well as in promoting social inclusion.
Staffing, safety and public service
TSSA believes that proper staffing levels contribute enormously to a safer environment for both passengers and transport workers. Staff are also able to provide a better service – most passenger would prefer to deal with a person than a vending machine. We strongly oppose employers who put profit before safety by using every opportunity to cut staff numbers.
Working with others
TSSA is committed to working with other trade unions and progressive organisations like the Campaign for Better Transport to promote the transport industry in which our members work.
TSSA policy work
Our members' experience and expertise is at the forefront of our policy work. TSSA writes submissions and takes part in a variety of consultations related to transport and travel. We put TSSA members' experiences in front of policy makers and politicians to influence and inform decisions taken in relation to the transport and travel industries across Britain and Ireland.
Submissions 2022
TSSA submission to the Transport Select Committee on Rail Strikes
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 444KB
TSSA submission to the Transport Select Committee on Rail Strikes
Submissions 2021
TSSA submission to Welsh Affairs Committee Rail Infrastructure Inquiry
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 26KB
TSSA Response to Consultation on ScotRail future
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 209KB
TSSA Response to Draft Franchising Policy Statement
Submissions 2020
TSSA submission to Network Rail Amended Safety Authorisation consultation
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Health and Safety
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 359KB
TSSA Submission to London Mayor consultation on Intermediate Housing
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 33KB
TSSA submission to TSC Reforming public transport after the pandemic inquiry
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Health and Safety
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 161KB
TSSA submission to Dail Eireann Committee Special Committee on Covid-19
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Health and Safety
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 35KB
TSSA submission to Dáil Éireann Special Committee on Covid-19
Submissions 2019
TSSA response to Transport Focus regarding c2c ticket office consultation
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 306KB
TSSA response to London TravelWatch c2c ticket office proposal
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 273KB
TSSA response to Williams Rail Review - CSM RA
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 219KB
TSSA response to Williams Rail Review - Track Worker Safety
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 288KB
TSSA response to Williams Rail Review - Future of rail letter to Jasper Beston
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 74KB
TSSA response to HMT Exit Payments Consultation
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 134KB
TSSA response to Williams Rail Review Consultation
DOCUMENT.CATEGORY: Political
DOCUMENT.FILESIZE: 198KB
Current issues and useful links
Information on current issues together with links to useful websites are published here:
- British Transport Police
- Bus Users UK
- Campaign for Better Transport
- Climate Change Committee
- Department for Transport
- Friends of the Earth
- HS2
- Merseytravel
- National Assembly for Wales/Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru
- National Rail Enquiries
- Network Rail
- Nexus (TWPTE – Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive)
- Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure
- Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
- Rail Accident and Investigation Branch
- Rail Delivery Group
- Rail Freight Group (RFG)
- Railfuture
- Rail User Groups
- Railway Safety and Standards Board
- Republic of Ireland Department of Transport
- The Scottish Government
- South Yorkshire PTE
- Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
- Transport Focus
- Transport for Greater Manchester
- Transport for London (TfL)
- Transport for Wales
- Transport for West Midlands
- Transport Scotland