What announcements is a driver expected to make?

[387star]

Although most trains have an automated pa what announcements is a doo driver expected to make in particular during normal running ie not during disruption ?

Arrival times next station security announcements? What side the doors open on?

I got asked this once in an interview

 

[Domh245]

I'd have thought the answer would be none unless the train is at a stop! Drivers should be concentrating on the road ahead

 

[GatwickDepress]

Southern drivers on 442-operated Brighton Expresses tend to perform manual announcements when approaching stations and correcting the PIS on calling patterns, since the software seems to have a fetish for Preston Park.

 

[A-driver]

They like you to make an announcement regarding the stopping pattern before you set off. Personally I never make announcements whilst on the move. If stopped at a signal for long enough I'll make an announcement regarding the delay and if no auto announcement onboard then I'll announce once stopped at a station the next stop if I'm missing any stations out (ie at Finsbury Park I'll announce next stop potters bar as I'm missing a few stations out in between).

 

[DeparturesBeck]

Although most trains have an automated pa what announcements is a doo driver expected to make in particular during normal running ie not during disruption ?

If not announced automatically, must (if possible) announce short platforms before arrival.

 

[telstarbox]

On Southeastern the most common driver announcement is "Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, we're currently being held at a red signal" generally heard on the approach to London Bridge.

 

[Envy123]

On Great Northern, there was one journey I made where the driver announced every stop, between New Southgate and Moorgate.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Southern drivers on 442-operated Brighton Expresses tend to perform manual announcements when approaching stations and correcting the PIS on calling patterns, since the software seems to have a fetish for Preston Park.

Would that not be the guard - those aren't DOO are they?

 

[dk1]

Drivers on Anglia local trains are expected to announce intermediate & non-connectional stations. Some do, many refuse. Not much management can do as you just play the distraction card.

 

[Deepgreen]

On Southeastern the most common driver announcement is "Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, we're currently being held at a red signal" generally heard on the approach to London Bridge.

Yes; on Southern too. I find these very helpful because otherwise I would have to assume we have just stopped at random!

 

[Caertroia]

On Southeastern the most common driver announcement is "Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, we're currently being held at a red signal" generally heard on the approach to London Bridge.

Often said totally inaudibly. Either there's no volume control or drivers don't use it.

 

[bengley]

Would that not be the guard - those aren't DOO are they?

They are indeed! They only call at stations with dispatch staff on the expresses.

 

[mbreckers]

On the 380's on the Ayrshire Coast Line, the only manual announcements I have ever heard are when the train is being delayed for some reason or when approaching Prestwick International Airport, reminding passengers getting off to take luggage with them (Although I think that's so they're ready to get off quicker)

 

[Fincra5]

Told to do so if you are in a safe position to do so... But main priority is driving the train. Can't get into trouble for not making them...

 

[A-driver]

Often said totally inaudibly. Either there's no volume control or drivers don't use it.

No volume control.

 

[physics34]

meant to only announce at a stand and if its delay related.

All other announcemets are optional.. at southern anyway

 

[Minilad]

We are not allowed to make announcements. Which is probably for the best

 

[Bletchleyite]

They are indeed! They only call at stations with dispatch staff on the expresses.

I stand corrected - most surprised at that!

 

[Daniel]

On LU drivers are supposed to make an announcement within 30 seconds of coming to a stand in a tunnel, or within 90 seconds at a platform... and they're mystery shopped on this.

 

[Envy123]

I always heard NR drivers saying that the train terminates at the next station.

 

[387star]

Ok what about thameslink drivers it is asked at their interview I passed the interview so don't think it is a major question but still obviously of importance

Do thameslink have many short platforms ?

Perhaps it is more for the 319s as the new trains all have auto pa

 

[HH]

Drivers on Anglia local trains are expected to announce intermediate & non-connectional stations. Some do, many refuse. Not much management can do as you just play the distraction card.

And yet driver announcements are highly valued by the people who are ultimately paying their wages.

 

[A-driver]

Ok what about thameslink drivers it is asked at their interview I passed the interview so don't think it is a major question but still obviously of importance

Do thameslink have many short platforms ?

Perhaps it is more for the 319s as the new trains all have auto pa

TL specific basically an announcement before starting the journey saying where it goes and ideally an announcement at interchange stations. Plus info if delayed, although to be honest the driver dosnt get any info whatsoever themselves so you can't tell anyone anything of much use!

 

[IanKR]

On Southeastern the most common driver announcement is "Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, we're currently being held at a red signal" generally heard on the approach to London Bridge.

... and latterly at the top of the Tanners Hill Flydown / Lewisham Vale on the approach to Lewisham.

 

[redbutton]

If the PIS has packed up, I try to announce stations as I'm approaching them, but only if signals and workload allow.

I'll also announce major interchanges if I remember to and again subject to signals.

At termini, I'll announce which platform we're going into, which side the doors will open on, a reminder to take your belongings and rubbish, and if we're delayed an apology and the reason. I do this one even if the PIS is working, since it adds extra information.

However, the only ones that I've been told are mandatory are "mind the gap" at curved platforms and the security announcement at central London termini.

To make it a habit, I try to manually announce short or curved platforms and interchanges even when the PIS is working, so that it's habitual to do it when the system isn't working.

 

[matt_world2004]

LUL drivers are supposed to make an announcement if there is a fire alaert at the next station and for passengers not to leave the train. Even if the doors open for passengers to board. Well this is what happened when there was a fire alert at Euston on the Victoria. Problem is the driver comms are a lot more difficult to hear than the automated ones.

 

[MCR247]

LUL drivers are supposed to make an announcement if there is a fire alaert at the next station and for passengers not to leave the train. Even if the doors open for passengers to board. Well this is what happened when there was a fire alert at Euston on the Victoria. Problem is the driver comms are a lot more difficult to hear than the automated ones.

I was on a SB Victoria Line train that was held at a station due to something happening at Euston a couple of weeks ago and we weren't told not to leave the train, just that we would be stopped for 5-10 mins

 

[332 > 444]

Good morning welcome aboard the xx:xx service to Any town calling at a, b, f, g then finally z

Please place luggage in the racks provided, do not block the doors and aisles

We have stopped at a red signal and awaiting further instructions/shall be on the move shortly

We are approaching our final stop please make sure you take all your belongings with you and mind the gap between the train and the platform edge.

None should be made whilst on the move unless it's been a snail paced journey due to congested lines.

 

[Carlisle]

I stand corrected - most surprised at that!

The Brighton Express services and Thameslinks have been DOO since about 1998

 

[ComUtoR]

On Southeastern the most common driver announcement is "Sorry for the delay ladies and gentlemen, we're currently being held at a red signal" generally heard on the approach to London Bridge.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing ? Hard to tell if your being sarcastic or not :/

Yes; on Southern too. I find these very helpful because otherwise I would have to assume we have just stopped at random!

Thanks Deepgreen. Just one of the reasons why I do them.

... and latterly at the top of the Tanners Hill Flydown / Lewisham Vale on the approach to Lewisham.

The flyover and the junction is very busy with many conflicting moves; especially when there is disruption or late running. There is also a few freight movements that passenger services will often get delayed for. There is a built in bit of leeway and you are usually timed for an extra minute or two dwell time at lewisham. It was worse but the double track did resolve a few issues. Moan at the planners tbh I'm stunned why some services are booked across each other. Hopefully once all the work has been done it will alleviate more minor issues.