The UK's Department for Transport has announced a significant change by allowing eighteen-year-olds to drive trains, lowering the minimum age from twenty in response to a severe shortage of drivers. Despite the age reduction, the training standards and safety requirements remain unchanged. The decision comes after a consultation process that revealed widespread industry support. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized this move as part of future-proofing the rail network to mitigate delays and cancellations caused by the current driver shortage, while union leaders express concerns over losing potential talent.
The DfT has announced that eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains as the government has lowered the ages from 20 amid a shortage of drivers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that they are 'future-proofing' the rail network as 'delays and cancellations caused by a shortage of drivers'.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers' union Aslef, stated, 'young people who want to become train drivers...we miss out as an industry.'
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