Trains lined up to be driver-only in deal across West Midlands
Train drivers in the West Midlands could be made responsible for opening and closing carriage doors under the new franchise contract being signed next year.
Two rail companies are bidding for the multi-million pound contract West Midlands railway franchise.
In documents sent out to firms, the Department of Transport (DfT) states passenger benefits 'can include the implementation of Driver Controlled Operation (DCO)'.
The DCO is a system making the train driver responsible for all safety aspects of the train and the 'train guard' redundant. It sees a door button positioned in the driver's carriage.
The move has already proved controversial elsewhere in the country.
Southern Railways is considering bringing in the system.
Staff have protested, going on strikes and causing disruption.
Midlands RMT Regional Organiser, Ken Usher said: ''Prospects of any introduction of DCO fills us with grief. We will completely oppose any such changes in West Midlands and the rest of the country.
"If DfT claims it's in the interest of passengers then they ought to consider 82 per cent of the same passengers who wish to see a nationalised railway system.
"This is a matter of private profit and private greed.''
A DfT spokesman said: "We are committed to improving rail services across the West Midlands, this is why the next franchise will provide a host of improvements."
