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SWR DOO Dispatch Methods

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olilee2

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With the 701s coming into traffic soon, does anybody know what methods of dispatch will be employed regarding platform staff at different stations? I understand that they are fitted with cameras and can self dispatch, but I have noticed that several stations (all of which have RO2s on the platform dispatching for at least some of the day) have been fitted with CD/RA indicators on the platforms and starting signals (such as at Clapham/Surbiton/Woking and a few others). So does anyone know of any more stations that has had the equipment fitted, if they are intended to work alongside DOO on the 701s (or indeed any other services) and in general if and how SWR’s dispatch plans will change with the 701s?

Asking as a dispatcher for Southern by the way
 
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swt_passenger

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With the 701s coming into traffic soon, does anybody know what methods of dispatch will be employed regarding platform staff at different stations? I understand that they are fitted with cameras and can self dispatch, but I have noticed that several stations (all of which have RO2s on the platform dispatching for at least some of the day) have been fitted with CD/RA indicators on the platforms and starting signals (such as at Clapham/Surbiton/Woking and a few others). So does anyone know of any more stations that has had the equipment fitted, if they are intended to work alongside DOO on the 701s (or indeed any other services) and in general if and how SWR’s dispatch plans will change with the 701s?

Asking as a dispatcher for Southern by the way
I don’t think any of the platform CD/RA equipment is new, is it? It could be unused since previous proposals and nothing specifically to do with 701s?
 

pompeyfan

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Places like Vauxhall have had CD/RA indicators for a while.

with the downturn in traffic there is nothing to say that the 701s can’t be guard dispatched seeing as the reduced dwell time isn’t needed. We shall see.
 

DorkingMain

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As others have said the CD/RA indicators are in various locations where (sometimes very rarely) platform staff would need to detrain and dispatch the train DOO. This includes Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Woking, Basingstoke etc.
 

TEW

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As others have said the CD/RA indicators are in various locations where (sometimes very rarely) platform staff would need to detrain and dispatch the train DOO. This includes Waterloo, Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Surbiton, Woking, Basingstoke etc.
I've only ever actually seen them used at Waterloo and Basingstoke though, apart from for testing at other locations.
 

DorkingMain

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I've only ever actually seen them used at Waterloo and Basingstoke though, apart from for testing at other locations.

They're only really used at most other locations for out of course situations. Waterloo, Woking, Guildford, Basingstoke etc use them daily for dispatching sets of empties DOO
 

TEW

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They're only really used at most other locations for out of course situations. Waterloo, Woking, Guildford, Basingstoke etc use them daily for dispatching sets of empties DOO
They're not used at Woking and Guildford, even for dispatching ECS DOO trains.
 

TEW

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Interesting, which dispatch method is used at these stations, and why not CD/RA?
The platform staff close the doors and check the train is empty, so CD wouldn't be used. At Woking a green flag/lamp is used to dispatch the train and at Guildford it is done verbally. Easier than having to stand in a particular place to operate CD/RA equipment.
 

Horizon22

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The platform staff close the doors and check the train is empty, so CD wouldn't be used. At Woking a green flag/lamp is used to dispatch the train and at Guildford it is done verbally. Easier than having to stand in a particular place to operate CD/RA equipment.

Still having to stand in a particular place (next to the driver presumably) so it isn't necessarily easier. CD/RA panels are often placed at multiple locations on a platform - they are at most London terminals anywyay.
 

TEW

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Still having to stand in a particular place (next to the driver presumably) so it isn't necessarily easier. CD/RA panels are often placed at multiple locations on a platform - they are at most London terminals anywyay.
Yes, although when staff have to check the train they have to walk from one end to the other anyway, so it easy to finish at the front next to the driver.
 

Flange Squeal

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They're not used at Woking and Guildford, even for dispatching ECS DOO trains.
The RAs at Woking have been getting some regular use in the last year or two, initially during some of the strikes but more recently on Saturdays since lockdown. Alton services run a shuttle Alton to Woking, where they then perform a DOO London-end shunt behind the up fast/slow dummies to cross over to platform 5. Platform staff give the RA after checking the train is clear.
 
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