How could internal communications on long distance trains be improved?

tiptoptaff · 21 Nov 2019

If everyone is only to use mobile phones, how do you suppose the driver contacts the TM, and vice versa...?
Oh yeah, that's right.

The IC call system is far better and far more convenient than using phones, radios, tablets, pigeons, smoke signals etc.

This is the first time I've ever seen a complaint about it and in true RUK style it's been blown massively out of proportion with solutions to problems that don't exist.

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Mintona · 21 Nov 2019

Mag_seven said:
IC??????

Internal communication.

On a Class 800/802, it is possible for the driver to send an audible/visual/both automated message saying ‘Would the train manager please contact the driver’ or ‘would the customer host please contact the driver’. But there is no way for the customer hosts or train manager to do that to each other, so they have to do it manually.

The problem with the tones is that you wouldn’t know exactly who the call was for or from and could end up with four or five people potentially trying to answer a phone for a message that isn’t of any use to them.

ComUtoR · 21 Nov 2019

3-3 on the 'bell/tone' ?

tiptoptaff · 21 Nov 2019

ComUtoR said:
3-3 on the 'bell/tone' ?

As above, when there's potentially 6members of crew on board, it would be impossible for anyone to know who the 3-3 was aimed at

option · 21 Nov 2019

Plenty of businesses use internal phone systems that don't need external systems, even wirelessly. The phone just stays with the role, not the individual.

Energy · 21 Nov 2019

I think my solution could work well, just have a special buzz when a message from the train crew comes, maybe a tablet for the driver in each train.

tiptoptaff · 21 Nov 2019

Energy said:
I think my solution could work well, just have a special buzz when a message from the train crew comes, maybe a tablet for the driver in each train.

We have tablets. We're not allowed to use them when driving.
This smacks of looking for a solution to a problem that isn't there but already has a perfectly simple and acceptable solution

Energy · 21 Nov 2019

I mean tablets to notify you and maybe Siri?

tiptoptaff · 21 Nov 2019

Energy said:
I mean tablets to notify you and maybe Siri?

Siri, Alexa and the like would all be massive distractions.

Why create an environment that encourages distraction when it's not needed. The less unnecessary complications and technology for me to speak to the guard the better.

LowLevel · 21 Nov 2019

Eccles1983 said:
This is an odd thread.

But I'll tell you why mobile phones and walkie talkies won't work.

Most company's forbid drivers from using an MPED (mobile personal electronic device) whilst driving. It's a measure that is fully supported by the unions.

Where as the cab to cab doesn't require looking at, or finding as it never moves. I can answer it without once taking my eyes off the road.

Seems like you're trying to find a solution for a non existent problem.

Walkie talkies are used widely between the guard and driver on loco hauled trains without a driver/guard comms system nowadays but they're reinventing the wheel for no reason on a train with said system if you ask me.

I've had the driver make a short 'can the guard contact the driver' announcement before and that has been more than sufficient!

Llanigraham · 21 Nov 2019

LowLevel said:
Walkie talkies are used widely between the guard and driver on loco hauled trains without a driver/guard comms system nowadays but they're reinventing the wheel for no reason on a train with said system if you ask me.

I've had the driver make a short 'can the guard contact the driver' announcement before and that has been more than sufficient!

In the UK?
Would love to know where?

LowLevel · 22 Nov 2019

Llanigraham said:
In the UK?
Would love to know where?

Northern used them on the 37 hauled trains, charter operators certainly do (they're the main examples of loco hauled trains now after all!). I think either Wrexham and Shropshire and/or Chiltern too.

221129 · 22 Nov 2019

Llanigraham said:
In the UK?
Would love to know where?

Almost every Loco Hauled train without driver/guard comms in the country?

SPADTrap · 22 Nov 2019

221129 said:
Almost every Loco Hauled train without driver/guard comms in the country?

We use flags / lights. I guess you'll see walkie talkie comms on freight or railtours but passenger services will likely use flags and lights for despatch. As for comms I'm not sure but no reason why it shouldn't work, Eurostar have walkie talkies to communicate as a crew, and their driver must have their phone on which is a backup GSMR.

headshot119 · 22 Nov 2019

SPADTrap said:
We use flags / lights. I guess you'll see walkie talkie comms on freight or railtours but passenger services will likely use flags and lights for despatch. As for comms I'm not sure but no reason why it shouldn't work, Eurostar have walkie talkies to communicate as a crew, and their driver must have their phone on which is a backup GSMR.

The 37/68s on the Cumbrian Coast had radios for the driver to communicate with the guard, I don't believe it was used for dispatch, just for other reasons of the two needing to talk. EG why they're being held at a signal, release the doors again we've been asked to remain at a stand etc.

ValentaFan1974 · 22 Nov 2019

Carntyne said:
Depends if the TOC use Genius in that way. Not a lot do.

Using the onboard kit seems the most sensible idea. It's what it's for.

My TOC at the moment seems to have issues getting the crew details on journeys let alone getting mobile numbers listed :lol:

trebor79 · 22 Nov 2019

johnnychips said:
No, this isn’t the annoying one. It’s something like, and I can’t remember it exactly, alarm in the (disabled) toilet. Whatever it was, it went on from Retford to Peterborough, every two minutes. However as it evidently hasn’t engrained itself in my memory, I do not feel traumatised

"Bong bong bong bong bong (whatever that strange tone the MK4 intercom makes before an announcement is). Attention train crew, disabled toilet alarm".
I remember it well having been subjected to it about 20 years ago, somewhere on the ECML.

Pakenhamtrain · 23 Nov 2019

LowLevel said:
Walkie talkies are used widely between the guard and driver on loco hauled trains without a driver/guard comms system nowadays but they're reinventing the wheel for no reason on a train with said system if you ask me.

V/Line down here have walkie talkies using the local train radio(I think) and they're used for train dispatch. DMU and local hauled trains.

DMUs after the conductor says "Driver 8xxx platform work complete" or words to the effect the driver shuts the door and the train leaves. Locos hauled trains the conductor shuts the doors then gives the ok.

virgintrain1 · 2 Jul 2020

Mintona said:
The problem with the tones is that you wouldn’t know exactly who the call was for or from and could end up with four or five people potentially trying to answer a phone for a message that isn’t of any use to them.

Good thing about Voyagers is that you can select on the TMS which coach / coaches you want to the crew call jingle or PA to be broadcast in.

Although I guess with the IETs being DOO ready the only TMS screens are in the cabs aren't they?

How could internal communications on long distance trains be improved?

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