Maybe 120+ station stops a day verses 12 is more exciting. But joking aside different strokes for different blokes as they say just wonder what they think the best TOC is
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Avanti train driver career
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Christ if people see 120 stops a day as exciting they're welcome to it hahaha.
I'll happily take a boring existence over exciting of that's it's definition hahah.
I don't think there is such a thing as "the best TOC" they will all have good points and bad points.
I have seen simplifiers from a depot where they use special small writing to fit all the stops and columns of work onto the page and it's a DOO depot as well hahaha exciting is one way of describing it.
My local Avanti depots shifts are ideal for me but I suppose other depots on the route might be different shift wise given they are in different sections of the route and maybe don't have many lates or earlies and more mid shifts I don't know if that's the case? Preston for instance is in the middle so do they have many very earlies or lates or is it a lot of mid shifts? Personal preference for shifts and what's available is certainly a factor in what makes a good job.
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Bucephalus
Member
I'm sorry to drag things OT but surely, after a year or so of (qualified) driving, monotony will set in - moreso the shorter routes.
I alluded to this in my trainee tram driver interview. Subsequently I didn't get the job!
I alluded to this in my trainee tram driver interview. Subsequently I didn't get the job!
Obviously the routes you drive or don't drive are a factor but surely so is the Salary, how nice or not so nice the company is to work for, workload etc etc. It's purely a personal judgement based on adding up all these factors and how they suit you. Everyone is different
PudseyBearHST
Member
Why not just become a professional route learner, you’ll never get bored 
What's the pay and the hours like and the rest day pattern lolWhy not just become a professional route learner, you’ll never get bored
Who said TOC?
Well it sounds like you wouldn't like working at Avanti for the reasons you stated so just wondering what TOC or FOC then you think would best suit you? Would be interesting to know.
That's perfect then. But FOC work doesn't appeal to me at all. Money is no where near as good as Avanti, having spoken to many freight drivers the shifts are horrific and you can't plan your life ahead in weeks and months ahead like at a TOC plus freight has been decimated the last few years so job security ain't great. And you don't get rail passes. But everyone is different.
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notadriver
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One with lots of route variety and different traction types. Fast and stopper work. Around Manchester that might be TPE? But very hard to get into
Well you never know you might just strike it lucky.
Please lets not turn this into a Pass Vs Freight.
We drive what we drive. We are brothers and sisters, let's keep it on track
All that stopping and starting!!? hahaha I bet you stop in more loops and at more Red signals than any Avanti train stops at Stations.
Yeah definitely not for me.....if it was the difference between no job at all then I may look at it......or as someone looking to obtain a trainee driving position I'd of looked at it as a stepping stone but that's about it.
There's a reason that plenty of freight drivers switch to a TOC but not many go the other way. As you say buddy each to their own on that one. The only positive I see from a personal standpoint are no punters haha.
the sniper
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We get it guys, no need to willy wave, as if everyone hadn't already heard, you fast boys are at the top of the ladder... Throw us some change when you pass us scoundrels in the looped Class 2s & 4s! We are not worthy! 
We get it guys, no need to willy wave, as if everyone hadn't already heard, you fast boys are at the top of the ladder... Throw us some change when you pass us scoundrels in the looped Class 2s & 4s! We are not worthy!
Lmao
Nicely put. Lets leave it there.
Hahaha I don't even work for Avanti and they didn't pick me when I got down to the last few applicants for the final interview for their apprenticeship so I have no bias towards them lol. Just stating how it is and my original comment on the thread was just explaining to the guy why so few vacancies come up and it being the top job means nobody leaves so no vacancies to fill.We get it guys, no need to willy wave, as if everyone hadn't already heard, you fast boys are at the top of the ladder... Throw us some change when you pass us scoundrels in the looped Class 2s & 4s! We are not worthy!
It seems Avanti have answered my question by advertising externally today! Not for my area sadly, but I'll keep my eye out. Link below for anyone near Euston or Wolverhampton.
I think the intercity TOCs are making an effort to train folk now and set up a training school as they have a large amount of drivers coming up for retirement next few years and can't just poach 50 odd drivers from regional TOCs.
They advertised for qualifieds end of 2019. It takes several months for the recruitment process to be completed then those successful have to give several months notice of resignation.
TOCS are rewarded for these apprenticeships by the government. And trainee drivers tend not to be railway unionised, can be recruited subject to the latest terms and conditions, can be trained with the most recent best practice from scratch, are easier to mould to the particular TOCS wants / needs etcetc.
Yup all very relevant points.
This is my thinking as well.
class ep-09
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Hi
Question to the people, who may know more about potential new Avanti driver depots in the future - I have heard about Crewe .
Is there one planned for Birmingham , considering the Avant & HS2 will be one franchise and operate lots of trains to / from Curzon Street station ?
Also , what routes / traction ( Pendo & Voyagers I suppose) is Wolverhampton , Liverpool and Manchester depots signing ?
I am qualified working intercity routes , living in the catchment area of one of these. I am considering applying and moving across .
Thanks in advance for any insights .
Question to the people, who may know more about potential new Avanti driver depots in the future - I have heard about Crewe .
Is there one planned for Birmingham , considering the Avant & HS2 will be one franchise and operate lots of trains to / from Curzon Street station ?
Also , what routes / traction ( Pendo & Voyagers I suppose) is Wolverhampton , Liverpool and Manchester depots signing ?
I am qualified working intercity routes , living in the catchment area of one of these. I am considering applying and moving across .
Thanks in advance for any insights .
irish_rail
On Moderation
Wolves would be your best bet as apparently the north west and Scottish depots have been filled up with internal trainees. Rarely advertise for those and Liverpool not at all.
Don't think there is a plan for a depot at Brum but Crewe is supposed to be happening. I'd imagine it will take over the north Wales coast stuff from Liverpool and Manchester which inturn will potentially make those two depots rather limited routes wise. I believe a depot at Holyheqd was also mentioned?
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