London Midland timetable changes tackle driver shortage

Changes to train timetables and work patterns have been introduced to reduce cancellations caused by a driver shortage, according to London Midland.

The shortage of drivers has caused the cancellation of more than 950 services since 14 October.

Train drivers' union Aslef said it agreed to the changes in rotas to "free up drivers to cover services".

London Midland said a number of trainee drivers are due to finish their training and start work "very soon".

This will also help the company to deal with short-notice problems such as sickness, a spokesman said.

Apology

Dicky Fisher from Aslef said the union would continue to work with London Midland to "assist them in delivering the train service".

London Midland said it was continuing to recruit and train more drivers.

The train operator has apologised to anyone who has been affected by its recent problems.

In October the Rail Minister Norman Baker warned London Midland about its performance, and said commuters were not "getting the services they need".

The hundreds of cancellations were also raised in the House of Lords.

It sounds to me as if they've simply reduced the number of scheduled services to avoid fines being imposed for cancellations?