Can train driver have 2nd driving job?

[japanzzz]

Just wondered if you train drivers out there would be allowed to work a second driving job - for example driving a bus on your days off?

When I say 'allowed', I mean it in two senses: (1) Is there any law that prevents it due to the safety critical nature of your primary train driving job; (2) Is it written in to your contract that you're either not allowed a second driving job or that you must seek your organisation's permission to have one?

Thanks

 

[carlejo]

I just sat interviews and the TOC stated that they didn't want me working for anyone apart from the TOC I applied for

I think it's frowned upon

 

[Merrydown]

No!!
You will be lucky to keep your wife,girlfriend or partner!

 

[Silv1983]

Can't see the harm as long as you don't work too much or too hard and let it affect your train driving. I've certainly not seen or heard of restrictions on additional jobs.

 

[notadriver]

Just wondered if you train drivers out there would be allowed to work a second driving job - for example driving a bus on your days off?

When I say 'allowed', I mean it in two senses: (1) Is there any law that prevents it due to the safety critical nature of your primary train driving job; (2) Is it written in to your contract that you're either not allowed a second driving job or that you must seek your organisation's permission to have one?

Thanks

Why would a train driver want to drive a bus on their days off ? They would get more money doing overtime in their own job ? Are you a bus driver by any chance ?

 

[PeteH]

Why would a train driver want to drive a bus on their days off ? They would get more money doing overtime in their own job ? Are you a bus driver by any chance ?

Beat me to it. WTF was my first thought to the question too.

 

[RJ]

Why would a train driver want to drive a bus on their days off ? They would get more money doing overtime in their own job ? Are you a bus driver by any chance ?

There are a number of reasons.

Granted, a train driver may get 2 or 3 times the hourly rate of a bus driver but some of us also apportion a value to the satisfaction or contentment doing certain jobs provide. If someone who is a train driver earns a high enough basic to cover their living costs, they can afford to spend their spare time pursuing interests for less or no return.

Someone who drives trains as a means to an end, but who doesn't particularly enjoy the job may well choose to earn a bit on the side by doing another job they prefer.

Some people just love driving buses, especially if it's only part time. For me, there was a draw to leaving uni, which is a bit sleepy at weekends when many people disappear and travel 120 miles to spend my Friday and Saturday nights driving some of the most ghetto bus routes in London. It was great fun and at the end of my shift I'd always be happy. Even now I don't mind scarpering across the country to visit people on Fridays then doing late driving jobs on Saturdays.

Sorry, but I'm not in the slightest bit fazed by this unconvincing wage slave mentality - I'm sure you understand why one might want to drive buses every now and again.

 

[scotsman]

Hmm. Not exactly the same (I know a few TOC staff who repair buses, but those are their own heritage motors), but quite a few drivers do work for other operators.

For instance I know of two that both drive for different inter-city TOCs, and also work as Traction Inspectors for two different freight/charter operators.

 

[SkinnyDave]

How can you end up driving for two intercity TOC at same time?

 

[185]

Just wondered if you train drivers out there would be allowed to work a second driving job - for example driving a bus on your days off?

When I say 'allowed', I mean it in two senses: (1) Is there any law that prevents it due to the safety critical nature of your primary train driving job; (2) Is it written in to your contract that you're either not allowed a second driving job or that you must seek your organisation's permission to have one?

Thanks

I know of at least 2 that drove National Express coaches regularly. Certainly not for the money, either. Probably the worst kept secret, but still highly frowned upon.

 

[MacRae13]

I know of one too. Drives for an Inter-City TOC and on his days off for a coach company.

It's beyond belief for me, but he just likes buses

 

[Cab2Cab]

Hi,

On some job application forms it does ask the question if you have a second job and would you carry on with the role.

I suppose it's down to what the second job entails!

Cheers

 

[yorkie]

Why would a train driver want to drive a bus on their days off ?

I would have thought you could answer that?

Weekend rail replacement driver job

 

[Bald Rick]

I knowone driver who drives for an Intercity TOC and also a FOC, and another who drives for a (different) Intercity TOC and then has his own Bristol VR for fun on his days off.

 

[notadriver]

I would have thought you could answer that?

Weekend rail replacement driver job

That was a hypothetical question

 

[156441]

You have to specifically ask my TOC in writing and have written response back. I have a qualification which can only be kept valid by working a shift for another company every 3-6 months and my employers are happy with this.

 

[japanzzz]

Thanks. Just wondered if banning 2nd jobs was common in the rail industry and whether it was written into driver's contracts, or with clauses like only with your manager's permission?

 

[notadriver]

Ah it's trams. Trams and buses are more closely related in terms of job classification and salary. In Blackpool their tram drivers also drive buses as well.

 

[beavercreek]

The tram company in question is nothing like Blackpool trams or buses.
As an employee of this company I can tell you that the training is quite intense and it is very important to keep focused through your probationary period.
The shift patterns and the nature of the job means that you don't have much time available,especially for a second job.
I've seen some trainees have safety critical incidents including Spads have their probation extended or even their job terminated.
The job is really enjoyable by the way.
Good luck.

 

[455driver]

The safety critical part of tram driving means you must have your required rest periods, if you dont get them because you are doing other work and then have an incident your main employer would have grounds to dismiss you because that second job is impacting your main job.

During the training there is a lot of information to take in so you will need your days off to rest.

 

[Cab2Cab]

I've seen some trainees have safety critical incidents including Spads have their probation extended or even their job terminated.


Hi, Beavercreek, off subject (sorry japanzzz),

Do trams have cab drivers safety systems in place such as DSD, DRA, and the AWS, TPWS or things similar to these. I would image not TPWS and when travelling on the tram off roadways you never see any grids or magnets (probably not paying enough attention tho) but the trams can travel at a fairly fast speed and could perhaps result in driver error taking short points at speed and the driver passing out at the controls.

Just thought i would ask or if anyone can enlighten me out of interest?

Cheers

 

[beavercreek]

We have no warning systems in the cab to alert us of a signal aspect.
We run in most parts to 2 aspect block signals with some of the signals having respeaters.
We have ATS which is a beacon in the 4ft which will stop the tram if it to enter an occupied section.
On some if our new sections we run to our own tram signals and line of sight.
The maximum speed we travel at is 50mph.
We have a drivers safety device which needs to be pressed down all the time or the brakes apply.

 

[156441]

Couple of answers to your questions Japanzzzz.

An employer can stipulate in a contract of employment that you can't have a second job. Most companies say no second job which could have a conflict of interest (Like working for another transport company)!
Some will say it is for reasons of safety.

Looking at the answers on here it seems as though different TOC's and tram companies alike have different rules.

I worked every Sunday through my training as its a non mandatory day for my company with the full blessing of my TOC but with a stark warning that if I failed the course I would be shown the door.

I'm (only) a conductor though but I know of a driver at our place who was in the school at the same time as me who continued as a bus driver and one that is at school at the moment who is a truck driver (ex army) who is doing agency work.

My personal advice would be read your contract carefully with your job offer and if unclear ask the HR department advising of your potential hardship. However once a no is given you'd have to be very careful if you did a bit of sneaky work afterwards.

One other course of action you could consider (which another of the trainees on my course did) is put your mortgage on hold for a short time while you get your foot in the door?

Good luck all the same mate!

 

[notadriver]

156441 you are not 'only' a conductor. It's a highly skilled job - in fact the training time to be a conductor is similar to a tram driver.

 

[455driver]

Deleted.

 

[156441]

I'm not knocking guards guys I was just suggesting in terms of training, drivers have a hell of a lot more to learn and perhaps comparing the two training packages in terms of the OP's post without me stating I am a guard not a driver might have been unfair!

 

[japanzzz]

Thanks for all your helpful advice guys. You're not 'only' a conductor, as considering your pay is well above the salary I'll be getting even once trained & post probation, there must be plenty of learning & responsibility in your job.
I will see how things play out with this job & take it from there.
Cheers.

 

[beavercreek]

You appear to be very negative towards your new employer should you get the job.
There will be no time for second job as the shift patterns and the nature of the role means you either work or rest!
Through your training which will commence in the summer Is quite intense and you will be required to do a bit of studying at home.
We are currently in talks with the company regarding a substantial pay increase in line with the network expansion.
What I would say is that the job is fantastic and once in and should you keep a clean record,then you have a job for life.

 

[richw]

One other course of action you could consider (which another of the trainees on my course did) is put your mortgage on hold for a short time while you get your foot in the door?

Depends on your mortgage company. Some will not allow this, others allow it. The ones who dont allow it, you could be looking at litigation if you dont maintain your contractual payments.

 

[tiptoptaff]

There's a well known tour operator who employ drivers ad-hoc for their charters. Not sure if this is frowned upon generally - but it's effectively a second job