Re: Signaller causes SPAD

["Tezza" <tezza2000@dingoblue.net.au>]

<antstig@my-deja.com> wrote in message 8q7so9$ivt$1@nnrp1.deja.com">news:8q7so9$ivt$1@nnrp1.deja.com...
>   "Tezza" <tezza2000@dingoblue.net.au> wrote:
> > Here, if it's the signallers fault, it's usually covered up and the
> Driver will hear no more about it. I was recently wrong-roaded, challenged
> the signal and was told the route was correct. I did my bit, so after
> taking the wrong road, I again told the signaller who insisted I was on
the wrong
> > train. Eventually after a big diversion we departed the original
> location again, 40 minutes late.
>
> The only answer is for drivers to challenge the signallers everytime
> and report every wrong road and signal thrown back in face.

I dont like being a nark. Also I think I'd like to get cut some slack one
day when I need it.


> You would be surprised to know that the powers that be quite often do not
have an
> idea of what's going on

I often comment that they don't.


> > > Is this the experience of CityRail drivers? Do they conveniently get
> > > blamed more often than not for delays etc. with the service? I
> would be interested to know.
> >
> > They certainly try, but I'd estimate less than 1% of delays are
> attributable to Drivers. Passengers cause lots, guards cause lots waiting
for
> passengers.  Signallers cause heaps, especially at night when they decide
to have
> a nap.
>
> We are OPO (One person operated) drivers so have no problem with
> guards. I was a guard before a train driver and found it invaluable in
> preparing me for being a driver. Now, we have direct recruit drivers
> (from the stations, and soon from the street) and they are a problem
> because they do not have the experience of first being a guard.

Our Drivers generally came from freight, which I still think is the best
experience. With State Rail being broken up though, they've had to find an
alternative. 10 years ago CityRail took Drivers straight off the street, but
it was a big flop. Now they're taking them from the guards ranks, with a
short traing course which has also been a big flop. Part of the problem was
PC. They wanted to be able to brag they had 50% women guards, then Drivers,
so they were putting women through as guards regardless of ability, then
whilst they were still in guard's school they were getting them to apply to
be Drivers. The consequenses have been very expensive.


> The skill in closing doors is not to be too assertive nor too wimpish.
> Look for gaps in the flow of passengers boarding th train and then
> pounce giving warning of course - either verbal or door chimes. Maybe
> the gaurds do not get this advice.

They blow whistles and make announcements and station staff use flags and
whistles, all to no avail. Some people will still try to get on as the doors
are closing, so then the guard has to open them and go through the whole
process again.