Recent content by James185

I was previously a Tram Driver for a couple of years. My traincrew colleagues do have a real mix of backgrounds; police officers, prison officers, cabin crew, pilots, members of the Armed Forces, firefighters, signallers and Bus/HGV/Light Rail Drivers. The common theme in the above roles is...

Is that a regular occurence or an isolated incident? I couldn't imagine being so unorganised. The role is demanding on stopping services and effective time management/organisation is key to safety, punctuality, customer service and revenue duties (contrary to popular belief we're not all sat...

Sh*tley - Shipley

I'm due to start a trainee driver course very shortly and I'm currently a Conductor at a UK TOC. I have no interest in the money at all. I simply enjoy working on the railway as I have an interest in trains. I have noticed that German train drivers also receive a lower salary compared to their...

Conductor x2 both unsuccessful (about a year apart) Conductor x1 successful (after a few years gaining more relevant experience in a safety critical role outside of the railway) Driver 1x Multi Modal Interview and 1X Driver Manager Interview both successful. Now in a 'talent' pool for trainee...

At my TOC if an incident of this nature occured, was reported correctly and there was no attempt to 'cover it up' then i don't believe an isolated incident would cause any issues. I've heard of this very scenario occuring. So no, it wouldn't disqualify you. This very well may be TOC dependent...

My advice is to have a really good understanding of the individual tests you are asked to sit at the assessment day. There's lots of information (for free!) on these forums and as stated previously you'll get practice assessments sent to you by the TOC. Most of the exercises are tests of your...

NTS stands for Non Technical Skills. A list of these can be found on the RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board) website. I recommend you analyse them and think about how your current experience and skills fit the role of train driver. Analyse the job description on the website and again think...

If you mean driver psychometric assessments then smart or smart casual. I wore a suit and felt relaxed enough in the assessments. If you mean an assessment day for something along the lines of train manager, conductor, dispatcher, customer service staff etc then go with smart.

Yeah, the interviewer will not want this answer. You will certainly see less of your customers as a tram driver compared to bus driving, but customer service will be seen as important, especially so as you are the only member of staff onboard. When I had an interview to become a tram driver...

As a new Conductor (just over a year) it amazes me just how many of my colleagues had family or friends on the railway prior to starting. I can't say I feel I'm treated any differently for not having relatives in the company though.