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Rail Partners supports proposals to attract more young train drivers

16 May 2024

Contributing to Department for Transport’s announcement on lowering the minimum age to become a train driver in Great Britain from 20 to 18, Rail Partners chief executive, Andy Bagnall, said:  

‘Taking forward these proposals would meet a long-standing aspiration for the industry which would have a positive impact on getting more young people into the railway.

‘With driver shortages and an ageing workforce, it is critical to secure the skills we need for the long-term to help improve reliability for the customer. By lowering minimum age requirements for train drivers, working on the railways should be seen as a more attractive career choice for school leaders, including those from diverse backgrounds.’

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