Conductor is the term used in American English for the person responsible for the safety of the train and its contents, leaving the footplate crew to drive the thing, but the term has gained popularity on this side of the Pond for what was traditionally called a guard. This started with the introduction of "paytrains" in the 70s, as the guard also took on some functions analagous to bus conductors. "Train manager" is now often used instead of guard, which is probably more descriptive, and is perhaps analgous to the chief steward on an aircraft.
I think Scotrail explicitly uses the term conductor; I remember the Carmont report uses that term, in any case.
There is zero difference between "guard" or "conductor" other than the name. Different train operators just use different job titles. It just depends on what the train operator wants to use.
I agree and am sure I remember it too. It was to distinguish cash-taking guards from those who just might do a ticket check, and I thought it was named by analogy with bus conductors, who pretty well universally collected the fares back then.
Yes. The name Conductor Guard was introduced with the Pay Train concept in the mid/late 1960s. I understand the only difference being was that the guard was also responsible for revenue collection in addition to normal guards duties.
As much as I dislike the adoption of American terms on this side of the Atlantic, the term “guard” is probably a little archaic - doesn‘t it originate in the days of stagecoaches when an armed guard would ride with the driver? So not strictly readily transferable to describe a member of train crew. Though I’ll warrant a few of today’s guards/conductors/TMs would quite like to carry a pistol or a sword, especially on later trains on Fridays and Saturdays……..
I would hope that GBR will simplify it, maybe go back to calling the role "guard" again. The primary safely role is to protect the train and the passengers. If guard is short for guardian (and I don't know if it is), then that fits better than any of these other titles of terms.
Even worse is the applications to be a "trainee senior conductor"! Bit of an oxymoron, no?
The companies that use TM tend to be on trains where you have other staff such as catering crews you're responsible for, even if you're not a manager per se.
Senior might mean seniority in terms of experience, even if not directly supervising junior staff at that particular time.
Even if they're in a different role, I'd expect catering staff, "hosts" etc. to come under the TM's authority while on their train.
Managing a situation on the ground, including whatever staff (train crew, p-way etc.) who happen to be involved?
Seemingly an East London expression, as this was how staff on the DLR were described from Day 1, when they had a notably smarter professional uniform than nowadays. I wonder who decided to downplay the name.
So, a team leader is a manager then? Because one of my many titles was Team Leader. Before that it was Senior Engineering Technician. Regardless of the title I was in charge of a small team and had to manage the work and the safety of the team (both from the danger of the work/tools and from being hit by a train).
I take the point about senior could be seniority in terms of experience. But the modern railway has mostly moved away from that kind of thing in many areasSenior might mean seniority in terms of experience, even if not directly supervising junior staff at that particular time.
Even if they're in a different role, I'd expect catering staff, "hosts" etc. to come under the TM's authority while on their train.
Managing a situation on the ground, including whatever staff (train crew, p-way etc.) who happen to be involved?
I agree about title inflation, though it's much wider than the railway. I still recall many years ago sending off for a leaflet, and receiving it accompanied by a letter from the "Literature Fulfilment Manager"
Prior to 1988 it was mostly the senior guards (top link) who worked what for many years had been called inter city services. The long distances work attracted a mileage payment and generally had the better turns with no stupid o’clock starts or finishes.
A 'train manager' could also be undertaking what the rule book defines as shunter or train preparer tasks. Without sticking to simple job roles the rule book would be grow in size somewhat!
“Sir”?