My understanding is that like LU, TWM has its own train stop equipment fitted to track and trains and as a self-contained network would not have been equipped with AWS. To accommodate this situation, the signals on the main line between Pelaw and Sunderland are dual fitted with TPWS and TWM's train stop equipment. TPWS is fitted IIRC to all signals on this section to prevent the possibility of a main line train (especially freight) colliding with a light rail vehicle
Correct. The system in question is called INDUSI.
Yes I have heard that, German I believe. So when it comes to qualified drivers I assume Train Crews on the TWM and LU ect, they are not classed as qualified drivers to drive on the main line and still have to under take trainee train driver courses. This due to lack of training and knowledge on these such systems
What about Richmond, London from the station until where the LO and LU part company? Would the District line drivers who sign that route have to have done any "mainline drivers" course?
Notwithstanding that LU is not light rail I agree with what A-driver has just said. I remember when I first did PTS on the main line having previously worked on LU and having to remember that a place of safety was now a position of safety and that the hand signal for emergency stop was different. Also, the emergency stop procedure being completely different due to a fundamental difference between the operating environment of the two different systems.
Well it's not exactly light rail but light rail is a generic term for enclosed railways as opposed to the mainline NR network.
So after reading these posts am I correct in saying that its not easy as some people make it out to transfer from a metro company to a network rail company in terms of being and classed as a qualified driver.
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So you cant really apply for qualified roles you have to undergo trainee driver courses?
No-mainline and 'non-mainline' are completely different jobs and the qualifications are in no way transferable.
Of course a tube driver will have some transferable skills and lots of relevant experience which will put them ahead of many others in the application process but they would still require the same training as anyone else.
Right ok, So regardless what company you work for you would still have to do a trainee train drivers course
Right ok, So regardless what company you work for you would still have to do a trainee train drivers course
Depends what you mean by 'company'. A driver working for scotrail can apply for Virgin as a qualified driver. As long as you are qualified on NR metals you are qualified.
I mean as in a company like TWM and london underground
Beg to differ, there are quite a few former Tyne and Wear Metro drivers who have gone over to other TOCs/FOCs as qualified drivers without the need to do trainee driver training again.
As has been said, Tyne and Wear Metro uses Indusi train stop equipment which is fitted to all signals, as well as speed control equipment in certain sections of the Sunderland line.
Sorry but that isn't the case. Tyne and Wear metro driving wouldn't be recognised as a qualified driver by a TOC or FOC. They would still need the bulk of a trainee course and most companies would make them sit the entire course to be sure.
As I said previously, I know for a fact that there are currently drivers who have transferred as qualified drivers and are currently working for other TOCs in the Arriva Trains UK group and at least two different FOCs.
A-driver said:the bulk of a trainee course
So they are not classed as a qualified driver and hold the key. So what would the process be for a non qualified entrant applying for a company like XC, GC and VTEC
So they are not classed as a qualified driver and hold the key. So what would the process be for a non qualified entrant applying for a company like XC, GC and VTEC
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And would the process differ as two of the FOCs mentioned are all linked within Arriva and DB
Same as any other TOC. The speed of the train makes absolutely no difference. You can be a trainee driver at any TOC. Ok not many intercity TOCs take trainees off the streets as there is enough applicants from qualified and internal candidates but they do recruit trainees from within from time to time. So a catering host could become a train driver and their first experience of driving a train would be at 125mph. I assume that is what you are getting at?
Speed makes very little difference to driving a train. You don't start on slower trains and work you r way up to faster ones. Trainees at GTR go straight into 100mph running.
The parent company also makes no difference as all drivers need to meet the standards set centrally.