Train crew shortages risk disrupting travel plans of Christmas rail passengers

Passengers visiting family and friends over Christmas could have their journeys disrupted by train crew shortages, especially on lines hit by engineering works, the rail minister warned yesterday.

- Joanna Partridge

Peter Hendy told MPs the government was concerned about festive staffing levels and officials at the Department for Transport (DfT) would monitor the situation.

These shortages are likely to be "exacerbated by the fact that inevitably the closures close parts of the railway and put more pressure on others", Hendy told parliament's transport select committee.