A proposed change to the rule book, dated the end of last year, suggests that train operators could detrain on their own if a train is stalled without communications in a tunnel for more than half an hour.

The proposal document details how you should walk ahead of the customers making efforts to ensure they are all following and get them to pass on information amongst themselves about trip hazards. At points using telephone wires to turn of traction current. When you get to the next station get staff assistance if this is possible. This would suggest that it may not be possible to find staff at a section 12 station.

Download the full document to make up your own mind about whether it is safe and what it means for the future of staffing levels on stations were it to be implemented.

The proposal contains the following details:

• Train operators will detrain customers on their own initiative and escort them to the nearest station or evacuation point if both of the following apply:
  • trains have been stalled between stations with no communication between the train operator and either the controller, signaller or station staff, and
  • traction current has been switched off for 30 minutes.

• Detraining customers to the track
• You must use the public address to tell the customers:
• arrangements are being made for them to walk to the next station
• to wait where they are until told to move
• when told to leave the train, to follow the person in front to the next station
• to beware of any tripping hazards.
• If anyone is available to assist you, you must ask this person to:
• follow behind the last customer to the next station
• report to you when they arrive at the next station.

• Walking customers forward
• You must walk forward to the station ahead, making sure as far as reasonably practicable that the customers are following you.
• You must warn the customers of any hazards and ask them to pass this information amongst themselves.

The proposed change also states that "When you arrive at the next station; If possible, you must ask station staff to assist the customers to leave the track." Bearing in mind this rule is for trains stalled in a tunnel section it is illuminating that it may not be possible for station staff to assist - say for example there are none.