The plans were unveiled on Thursday, as thousands of train passengers throughout the country have experienced delays and cancellations as a result of recurrent strikes in recent months.
Lowering the age limit “would build resilience across the railway” by allowing prospective train drivers to earn an apprenticeship after graduating school and train to join the decreasing workforce, according to the government’s proposal.
“With many train drivers scheduled to retire in the next five years and the average age of a train driver being 48 years old, the workforce is expected to decline without giving up new prospects for it.
Rail minister Huw Merriman stated, “We want to open the door for young people who are interested in a career in transportation, and this proposal could provide a clear path into the sector.”
