I think it's fair to say that the guard is *not* a visible staff presence on most LM trains, for example.
In the parts of LM I use it's unusual not to see the Guard during a journey.
I think it's fair to say that the guard is *not* a visible staff presence on most LM trains, for example.
I think it's fair to say that the guard is *not* a visible staff presence on most LM trains, for example.
I think 99% of train travellers couldn't care either way if there was a second person on board or not.
On time + seat = happy passenger
My pet hate is when you have a Southern OBS sitting in the back cab not even stepping off at every station... seems to be a bit of confusion on what their job role is some even refuse to sell tickets and carry a machine. If The RMT are scared they are going to replace them they need to up their game and prove they make the company money and justify the cost.
In the parts of LM I use it's unusual not to see the Guard during a journey.
I guess you're in the Brum area? I think there is rather a cultural difference between ex-NSE and ex-Regional Railways, with a general view in the former that revenue is not important/will be done by barrier staff but in the latter that it is a key part of the role which is always done unless there is a really key reason not to.
Much to my surprise, having travelled from Yorkshire I find the trains running normally from Vauxhall to Richmond.
I have used this service over the past 10 years and this is the first time I have ever seen the guard walk through the train - he announced he was doing this too, instead of sitting in the cab at the centre.
That’s much better.
theyve had nearly 40 years to install door operating panels in other parts of the train, but have failed.!Thanks I didn’t appreciate that. This was the Waterloo to Windsor and Eaton Riverside which I often use, but have never seen a guard or revenue person before.
He was very friendly too.
theyve had nearly 40 years to install door operating panels in other parts of the train, but have failed.!
Via the taxpayer.
I'm confused as to what drivers from TL and GN have done? Apart from their job
I think the mumbling within the company is that drivers get whatever they want, and other staff (ticket office, platform, gateline/revenue) have little to no protection and may in fact suffer as a consequence of this deal.
TL and GN drivers will be seen as 'guilty by association' by some. That's not right, but I can see why it might be the case.
The harsh truth is that the drivers do a much more important (and, for now, irreplaceable) job.
The harsh truth is that the drivers do a much more important (and, for now, irreplaceable) job.
and starting gradually by allowing technology to simplify their work - which will then simplify training - which in turn make them more expendable.
Happening in a lot of other roles, all part of the massive de-skilling process that's currently afoot, so only a matter of time before it hits the driving grades.
De-skiling has already hit us.
That's a bit cryptic for we on the outside. Could you expand please?De-skilling has already hit us.
De-skiling has already hit us.
Not as much as other roles.
That's a bit cryptic for we on the outside. Could you expand please?
99% of the time. But when something goes wrong that second safety-trained staff member can be vital.
It's difficult to comment on other roles as I'm not familiar with all of them but I'm hesitant to agree here. Some roles are de skilled easier than others and some roles are already so basic that you couldn't de skill, as the next step is basically removing them all together.
I think we have more skills to remove than some other roles so the process is taking longer. The ultimate goal of automated trains is very much far in the future so I would agree that we are protected for the immediate future.
Of all examples to give..Apologies as this will be a quick reply as its a bit off topic for the thread but..
I rarely make a manual announcement any more. I tap 4 digits into the PIS and the machine does the rest. The latest advancement in that is TOC control can make direct announcements to passengers, totally circumventing the Driver.