Train drivers...your uniform!

[binkyb]

I work as a driver for TOC that is currently trying to impose a new uniform on staff across the board. They want drivers to wear exactly the same (hideous) gear as station staff, ticket office etc and it's a contentious uniform as it's literally covered in logos. The objection is to being a walking brand advert and target. Anyway, I digress.
I'm trying to gather some info on how other TOCs treat their drivers when it comes to uniform so I can confidently protest various points such as the lack of employee consultation for one thing.
Can you tell me how your TOC has treated drivers regarding uniform and anything else you might feel is relevant and helpful?
I gather from online research that Virgin sent questionnaires to their staff, that their drivers wear a fairly anonymous uniform that staff had a big say in but I need to know about others.
Things of particular interest are:
Were you consulted and asked for input from your TOC?
Are you allowed to wear shorts?
Are you covered in your TOC's branding and do you feel this negatively affects you carrying out your duties (i.e. Are you constantly bothered by passengers when changing ends, travelling to and from work etc?
Is it comfortable or are the materials and quality inferior?
Are you expected to only wear the TOC jacket and not your own in colder months?
That'll do for now. Thanks for your time, it's much appreciated.

 

[Iskra]

I work as a driver for TOC that is currently trying to impose a new uniform on staff across the board. They want drivers to wear exactly the same (hideous) gear as station staff, ticket office etc and it's a contentious uniform as it's literally covered in logos. The objection is to being a walking brand advert and target. Anyway, I digress.
I'm trying to gather some info on how other TOCs treat their drivers when it comes to uniform so I can confidently protest various points such as the lack of employee consultation for one thing.
Can you tell me how your TOC has treated drivers regarding uniform and anything else you might feel is relevant and helpful?
I gather from online research that Virgin sent questionnaires to their staff, that their drivers wear a fairly anonymous uniform that staff had a big say in but I need to know about others.
Things of particular interest are:
Were you consulted and asked for input from your TOC?
Are you allowed to wear shorts?
Are you covered in your TOC's branding and do you feel this negatively affects you carrying out your duties (i.e. Are you constantly bothered by passengers when changing ends, travelling to and from work etc?
Is it comfortable or are the materials and quality inferior?
Are you expected to only wear the TOC jacket and not your own in colder months?
That'll do for now. Thanks for your time, it's much appreciated.

You do realise, it's your job to provide customer service, to your customers? Your attitude doesn't come across great from this post.

 

[AlterEgo]

As long as the uniform is safe, well-fitting, seasonally appropriate, and comfortable, I don't really see what the problem is.

Imagine having to wear logos on your kit and look like the station staff! Oh the humanity.

 

[binkyb]

Wow, not quite what I was expecting. My job is to drive trains. As far as customer service goes I should make PA's and be cordial to passengers. I am not there to constantly tell them how to get places, how their ticket works etc etc. When wearing this new uniform drivers will be mistaken for platform staff and have their turnaround time compromised by endless questions, not to mention on their journey to and from work where they often get abused because a similar company is on stike. We are asking for one logo on each item of uniform not the proposed minimum of 4.

I didn't ask for lectures, if you're not willing to help by constructive response then don't bother.

 

[CharlieSpotted]

Sooo, you only wanted views that align with your own? Why bother asking?

 

[SPADTrap]

Sooo, you only wanted views that align with your own? Why bother asking?

He did specify 'Train Drivers'

 

[PeterC]

As somebody from outside the industry I wouldn't expect a staff member in a technical role such as a train driver to be able to provide all the information that I might need. Therefore I would expect the staff in explicitly customer facing roles to be clearly identifiable.

 

[adamello]

it does however read that you do not wish to be associated with your TOC

 

[Swanny200]

Well I certainly would not approach you, if I ever saw you changing ends if that is your attitude.

You work for a company, expect to be asked questions, whether or not you are wearing uniform, if you are seen getting out of the cab then most people on the platform will rightly assume you work for the TOC and if needed ask you a question.

Even if you don't know the answers, the least you should be able to do is point them politely to a member of staff that may help.

You say your job is to drive trains, your job is also to be part of the company, and if that company's choice is to wear a uniform with 1 logo or 1000, you are part of the company, I'm sure the company would take a dim view on your umbrance with being constantly bothered while changing ends.

I also think that a driver wearing a hi viz (usually) and carrying their drivers bag will not be easily mistaken for platform staff unless I myself am mistaken.

It's odd you say that wearing the uniform on the way to work puts you at risk of abuse from members of the public, maybe the reason for wanting to put a minimum of 4 on their uniform is to dissuade this.
Or the other simple option is..... Do another job!

 

[theironroad]

Wow, not quite what I was expecting. My job is to drive trains. As far as customer service goes I should make PA's and be cordial to passengers. I am not there to constantly tell them how to get places, how their ticket works etc etc. When wearing this new uniform drivers will be mistaken for platform staff and have their turnaround time compromised by endless questions, not to mention on their journey to and from work where they often get abused because a similar company is on stike. We are asking for one logo on each item of uniform not the proposed minimum of 4.

I didn't ask for lectures, if you're not willing to help by constructive response then don't bother.

4 seems way over the top. We have one on polo shirts which is company name. Polo shirts used to have word 'driver' but that standardised the shirts. Fleece and dry coat have company name and 'driver'.

Uniform, especially quality has been an ongoing issue for years though it's relatively quiet at moment.

Fortunately we have a guard that all ticketing issues etc can be deflected to when changing ends as well as train times as I don't have the whole Waterloo 19 platforms and every train time memorised as some Waterloo passengers seem to expect.

 

[misterredmist]

I suggest when 'changing ends' you turn the jacket inside out , place a paper bag over your head with two eye holes cut out, and, when travelling to and from work, wear an overcoat or carry your jacket in a bag.... that way I am sure you will avoid public harassment.

 

[AlterEgo]

Wow, not quite what I was expecting. My job is to drive trains. As far as customer service goes I should make PA's and be cordial to passengers. I am not there to constantly tell them how to get places, how their ticket works etc etc. When wearing this new uniform drivers will be mistaken for platform staff and have their turnaround time compromised by endless questions, not to mention on their journey to and from work where they often get abused because a similar company is on stike. We are asking for one logo on each item of uniform not the proposed minimum of 4.

I didn't ask for lectures, if you're not willing to help by constructive response then don't bother.

Claptrap.

Can I assume by the "four logos" requirement, that by "a similar company" you actually mean "the same company"?

It's a complete fallacy to say the questions will be "endless". It takes 15 seconds to let someone finish their question, and then explain politely that you're a driver, and direct them to someone who can help. You won't be "constantly" telling people how to finish their journey, it's just nonsense.

At SWT, drivers look outwardly similar to platform staff, except they have a small bit of embroidery which says "Driver", letting you know their grade.

On the Tube, drivers also look outwardly similar to platform staff.

 

[BlueGrey]

I assume the people criticising the OP for not wanting to answer questions when changing end won't object to the potential delay caused by him answering passengers (or customers if you prefer) queries. Most turn around times would allow a driver to help a couple of passengers but anymore than that and your looking at a potential delay. While most passengers won't mind a 1 minute delay due to this most TOCs will. Of course anymore than a minute or so delay and there is also the risk of delaying other trains.

 

[Swanny200]

I assume the people criticising the OP for not wanting to answer questions when changing end won't object to the potential delay caused by him answering passengers (or customers if you prefer) queries. Most turn around times would allow a driver to help a couple of passengers but anymore than that and your looking at a potential delay. While most passengers won't mind a 1 minute delay due to this most TOCs will. Of course anymore than a minute or so delay and there is also the risk of delaying other trains.

I get your point, but does any driver ever get left alone at a platform, the OP seems to at least in his attitude not seem to want to help anyone, as you say, most drivers can help 1 or 2 passengers and not be late, the OP doesn't seem to want to help anyone, he is a driver after all!

 

[AlterEgo]

I assume the people criticising the OP for not wanting to answer questions when changing end won't object to the potential delay caused by him answering passengers (or customers if you prefer) queries. Most turn around times would allow a driver to help a couple of passengers but anymore than that and your looking at a potential delay. While most passengers won't mind a 1 minute delay due to this most TOCs will. Of course anymore than a minute or so delay and there is also the risk of delaying other trains.

How many questions do you think a driver is going to get walking from one end of a train to another (possibly carrying his bag and wearing a hi vis)??

 

[theironroad]

Wow, not quite what I was expecting. My job is to drive trains. As far as customer service goes I should make PA's and be cordial to passengers. I am not there to constantly tell them how to get places, how their ticket works etc etc. When wearing this new uniform drivers will be mistaken for platform staff and have their turnaround time compromised by endless questions, not to mention on their journey to and from work where they often get abused because a similar company is on stike. We are asking for one logo on each item of uniform not the proposed minimum of 4.

I didn't ask for lectures, if you're not willing to help by constructive response then don't bother.

The travelling to work thing can be a problem. I lost count of the number of people who saw me in uniform and thought it was license to vent all their train related issues.

I've had people complain to me about a journey they made months before at the other end of the country and just generally want to bemoan the railways while I'm trying to read the paper or even with headphones in watching my tablet.

I'm more than happy to answer the odd question and help out to people who genuinely need a bit of help, even if I'm not actually on duty , but the minority whiners and people who just think just because you're in uniform then you want to talk about rolling stock all day have put me off. I appreciate that someone may not know I'm not on duty so I normally now wear my work trousers and shoes but use my own t shirt on the way to work and carry my work shirt in my bag to change into before the shift starts. Problem solved.

 

[theironroad]

How many questions do you think a driver is going to get walking from one end of a train to another (possibly carrying his bag and wearing a hi vis)??

The vast majority of TOC drivers don't wear high vis at stations. Sometimes if they are going to or coming from somewhere where they have had to wear it, they may have one on but it's rare. There are one or two who wear high vis jackets as an alternative to other cold weather jackets, but a very small minority.

 

[Swanny200]

The vast majority of TOC drivers don't wear high vis at stations. Sometimes if they are going to or coming from somewhere where they have had to wear it, they may have one on but it's rare. There are one or two who wear high vis jackets as an alternative to other cold weather jackets, but a very small minority.

Do they still carry those big black briefcase bags or is it more rucksacks nowadays? I must admit if I saw a person in full TOC uniform carrying a rucksack I would assume that they were off duty and wouldn't approach them, but that is just me.

 

[theironroad]

Do they still carry those big black briefcase bags or is it more rucksacks nowadays? I must admit if I saw a person in full TOC uniform carrying a rucksack I would assume that they were off duty and wouldn't approach them, but that is just me.

I'm not sure if any toc issues the black bags anymore though I'd imagine that replicas are available for staff who want to purchase one. There are some staff who still use them and like them. Most tocs issue rucksacks now, some even with wheels....and many have a high vis panel on the back as well.

I've always used my own rucksack as I like the size and layout of it and keep what I carry to a useful but minimal amount whereas some people are prepared for being stranded in deep snow for 12 hours.

 

[LowLevel]

If you choose to wear your uniform to travel to work you are asking for it anyway. Stick a normal coat or fleece etc over it. On the 2017 railway drivers are expected to a degree to be customer facing staff, especially if you work for a DOO TOC. I do however sympathise with not wanting to be a walking advertising board.

To answer your question, at my TOC mainline drivers are issued with exactly the same uniform as guards (polo shirts are strictly banned) and station staff. The only exception is that drivers have a more lightweight type of short coat available (Harrington jacket is it?) as it is recognised the longer coat issued to other grades is a bit difficult to wear while sat in the seat and front end draughts can make it a necessity to wear one, and their hi vis vests have 'driver' on along with the company as PTS sponsor.

It's a short or long sleeved shirt, a compulsory neck tie (clip on or standard) for men, optional cravatte thing for women, trousers in heavy or light weight, blazer type jacket by choice and either the same type of rain coat as the guard or a Harrington jacket as explained above.

No shorts. No pullovers.

The logo is featured discretely on small tags on each garment for tax reasons, in small type at the bottom of the tie, picked out in small type on both styles of coat and also on the name badge (though most drivers don't wear them at least at our depot).

 

[axlecounter]

Consider also what can happen during a disruption. Someone in a uniform can literally get assaulted by passengers looking for answers. Guards or platform staff are there for this, a driver is not.

 

[DarloRich]

Consider also what can happen during a disruption. Someone in a uniform can literally get assaulted by passengers looking for answers. Guards or platform staff are there for this, a driver is not.

guards and platform staff are there to be assaulted. Not sure about that one

 

[whoosh]

Amazing lectures about attitude, when someone asks a question.


There was a consultation when our TOC changed hands. The new TOC wanted to do away with polo shirts, which the Union argued that as we have 'look back' dispatch at some stations, a shirt and tie should not be compulsory and polo shirts should be an option. The quality of polo shirts is fairly poor, the fit two sizes smaller and they cost more points in our uniform quota than a regular shirt, probably to try and put us all off. Most drivers wear polo shirts. They aren't available to other members of staff.

Apparently shorts are being thought about. At least one male driver ordered a women's uniform skirt last year! Temperatures in the saloons of trains when I was travelling 'pass' were reaching over 36 degrees during last summer.

Logo is fairly small on the front, larger on the upper back of jackets.


Being asked questions by passengers is all very well, by the way, if you know the answer. But if you've just spent the last three and half hours driving a train across the country, to arrive at your destination in the middle of disruption, passengers expectations are that you should know when their next train is leaving and from what platform, and will look at you like you're being unhelpful when you say you don't know.
A driving cab is like an isolation tank, and Traincrew are the last to find out anything - particularly Drivers, who can't have their work mobiles on in the cab, and haven't got two way radios like station staff.


The French TGV network (which the UK should aspire to apparently) has the Drivers in trainers, jeans and a t-shirt. Their own clothes, with no logos anywhere.

 

[zaax]

Too many logos, not enough fluorescent background or retroreflective?

Class II garments are the most common, requiring a minimum of 775 square inches of fluorescent background and a minimum of 201 square inches of certified retroreflective trim.

https://printwearmag.com/features/embellishing-safety-apparel

This means the logos on smaller sizes of refective wear may have to be removed.

 

[physics34]

I work as a driver for TOC that is currently trying to impose a new uniform on staff across the board. They want drivers to wear exactly the same (hideous) gear as station staff, ticket office etc and it's a contentious uniform as it's literally covered in logos. The objection is to being a walking brand advert and target. Anyway, I digress.
I'm trying to gather some info on how other TOCs treat their drivers when it comes to uniform so I can confidently protest various points such as the lack of employee consultation for one thing.
Can you tell me how your TOC has treated drivers regarding uniform and anything else you might feel is relevant and helpful?
I gather from online research that Virgin sent questionnaires to their staff, that their drivers wear a fairly anonymous uniform that staff had a big say in but I need to know about others.
Things of particular interest are:

Were you consulted and asked for input from your TOC?

No, but they did agree to our calls for polo shirts, (for drivers only.)

Are you allowed to wear shorts?

No

Are you covered in your TOC's branding and do you feel this negatively affects you carrying out your duties (i.e. Are you constantly bothered by passengers when changing ends, travelling to and from work etc?

Lagre logo on the back, small logo on the front. A little irritating, but im sure our company wants us to be passenger facing too

Is it comfortable or are the materials and quality inferior?

Polyester shirts, awful in the summer. Just one type of trouser rather than a winter and summer trouser choice, which means they are too hot in the summer. Jackets good, jumper not good.


Are you expected to only wear the TOC jacket and not your own in colder months?

Yep

That'll do for now. Thanks for your time, it's much appreciated.

Im a driver for Southern by the way

 

[muz379]

I see the point about passengers stopping you changing ends at turnarounds or just coming out to your train this could lead to delays , its something that happens as a guard as well .Buts its all down to your own skills in directing the passengers to someone or something that can help them .

But to be honest if a platform full of people see you getting out of a cab they are going to assume you work for the company , if a platform full of passengers see you coming out of a mess room or approaching a train in uniform they are going to assume as well . Even if people see you in uniform of some sort they are going to assume .

I have been in my shift/tie and trousers which just have small company tax tab branding on in a shop before and people have asked me questions as if i work there .

As for travelling to work , if i do so on the train I fairly regularly wear a coat of my own over the top of my shirt/jumper .

Surely it is preferable to have obvious branding on uniform so that in times of disruption or in an emergency situation people know to listen to you . At least this is how the company probably see it

Consider also what can happen during a disruption. Someone in a uniform can literally get assaulted by passengers looking for answers. Guards or platform staff are there for this, a driver is not.

What about on a DOO toc with no guards and minimal platform staff who is supposed to get assaulted then :roll:

 

[LordCreed]

Firstly, drivers in my TOC have the same uniform as the rest of the train crew / platform staff, with the only exception being the option of a polo shirt and a different style of coat.

Are you covered in your TOC's branding and do you feel this negatively affects you carrying out your duties (i.e. Are you constantly bothered by passengers when changing ends, travelling to and from work etc?

Drivers are as much customer facing as anyone else. Even now I'm office based I'll still do my best to help customers when at stations (even on the way to / from work). Even if it's a case of directing them to a member of staff who is more knowledgeable.

With regards to you travelling to / from work, then there's no requirements to wear work uniform (as you're not being paid / working). Wear your own jacket / take your lanyard off and you'll avoid any questions.

 

[LordCreed]

Consider also what can happen during a disruption. Someone in a uniform can literally get assaulted by passengers looking for answers. Guards or platform staff are there for this, a driver is not.

I'm hoping that is just badly worded, because guards and platform staff are definitely not there to be assaulted.

 

[Envoy]

Japanese train drivers have uniforms that are similar to airline pilots - which I guess reflects the high status accorded to the job.

 

[westcoaster]

On our uniform we wear the same as every over member of staff except for polo shirts. Remember we are a team and work together we are not above out colleagues.

On our uniform our

Coats have a logo
Hi viz has a logo
Jumper has a logo

There is a pattern here you work for a company who want free advertising so they choose you, it's uniform your suppose to wear i do not see the problem.