Driver Changes

[strange6]

When there is a driver change, no matter how quick it is, does the driver leaving always have to deactivate the controls (by turning the reverser off) when leaving the cab? I ask because I always hear the AWS check when the new driver gets on board.

 

[driver9000]

It's TOC specific, you'll notice Virgin Trains drivers pass a master key between them, the driver coming off the train takes a key from the driver getting on. What you will be seeing as you are in the North West is a hang over from when it was company policy to de energise the desk, this was so the driver taking over would be able to test the AWS and reset the sunflower to the warning indication. It is permitted to swap keys over (drivers of Northern 180s swap keys to avoid resetting the ATP) but most drivers take the key out of habit. I usually take my key with me as it has become habit because it's the way I was taught.

 

[DavidBusDriver]

On DOO lines we use the key handover method to stop the CSR dropping out everytime you do a changeover, does make for very quick handovers at times though!

 

[RPM]

We always swap keys on Chiltern otherwise you have to set up the ATP again from scratch which takes time.

 

[Fincra5]

Southern drivers also just swap masterkeys, it saves the train being reset.

 

[feliner]

Wipe the controls judging by the merchant bank thread.

 

[ChrisCooper]

Actually, health and safety would suggest wiping the controls down before using them, particularly during flu season. You don't know where the previous drivers hands have been before touching the controls.

 

[Pumbaa]

It's TOC specific, you'll notice Virgin Trains drivers pass a master key between them, the driver coming off the train takes a key from the driver getting on. .

To add to this for others benefit, this is done because TASS takes about 4 minutes to reboot, and until is rebooted the computer won't allow power to be taken. The TMS log in takes long enough as it is (about 90 seconds if its not behaving, about 3 if it is!) which can increase dwell at Preston/Crewe.

 

[westcoaster]

Southern drivers also just swap masterkeys, it saves the train being reset.

Same here at fcc.

 

[dk1]

Just a key swap on NXEA too!!

 

[pendolino]

Southern drivers also just swap masterkeys, it saves the train being reset.

And the BR1!

 

[Juniper Driver]

Key swap if there is relief if not key off.

 

[TGV]

On TGV - just sit in the seat... release brakes... push power lever forward.... train moves. Key stays with train at all times.

 

[swt_passenger]

Don't newish trains such as the SWT Desiros have a separate driver ID tag reader? I think it records who they are for the OTMR?

If so is that independent of the masterkey, so that the driver can update his details without shutting down?

 

[Pumbaa]

Don't newish trains such as the SWT Desiros have a separate driver ID tag reader? I think it records who they are for the OTMR?

If so is that independent of the masterkey, so that the driver can update his details without shutting down?

Certainly for the 350, so I imagine this applies to other Desiros also, the drivers key in their ID number on the TMS panel. This is seperate to the master key. When shutting down at the end of a journey, the driver has to key out on the TMS also before removing the master key.

The TMS panel is also in a slightly different place on the /1 and /2.

On 390s, the driver can log in and out on the TMS. This brings up their electronic job card for the day also.

 

[western Champion]

On 390s, the driver can log in and out on the touchscreen TMS. This brings up their electronic job card for the day also.

Since when has TMS on a Pendo been touchscreen ? and what electronic job card ?

How long have you been driving them for ?????

 

[Pumbaa]

Since when has TMS on a Pendo been touchscreen ? and what electronic job card ?

How long have you been driving them for ?????

I don't - I meant the buttons down the side of the screen. When I was writing it I couldn't think of a better way to say it! I don't know what you can do if thats not the case other than the main status screen, but certainly the tour round Edge Hill at the end of last year we were shown that by WCT.

 

[Juniper Driver]

Don't newish trains such as the SWT Desiros have a separate driver ID tag reader? I think it records who they are for the OTMR?

If so is that independent of the masterkey, so that the driver can update his details without shutting down?

Yes AFAIK.

Was never told in the school whether it makes any difference whether the key is on or off.Sometimes the green light flashes and sometimes it doesn't when you tag on or off.(Whether masterkey is on or off)

 

[Eng274]

Yes AFAIK.

Was never told in the school whether it makes any difference whether the key is on or off.Sometimes the green light flashes and sometimes it doesn't when you tag on or off.(Whether masterkey is on or off)

I believe Firstbus in some places use a similar system for their drivers, you tap a fob on a sensor and it records your driving performance for the duration of your trip i.e. braking force, comfort, acceleration etc. as a measure to improve ride comfort and driving standards.

I've read that it is a hugely flawed system, if the person taking over doesn't use their fob, the previous driver is still logged in and the next driver can go like the clappers and it'll show up on the previous driver's log! (Which the driver can log in and view on the internet i believe)

 

[ChrisCooper]

A lot of bus companies use that sort of system now, a big driving force being fuel economy, as well as safety, passenger comfort and reliability. I suppose if a driver is pulled up for bad driving, or looses out on a bonus for good driving (many companies use a carrot and stick approach) because the next driver has not logged on to the system properly, then it should be a fairly simple matter to prove that they were not driving at the time, afterall drivers will be rostered to particular duties, and there is also the "how could I be driving that bus like a maniac at that time when I was also driving that bus perfectly sensibly at the same time, and if you believe that is the case then I want double pay for that period!"

 

[transportphoto]

Yes first bus use a Traffic Light system they like to call 'Drive Green' which uses door style key fob's... the traffic lights show on the dash / above it.

As said the drivers can see their stats online and yes it has been known for drivers to be driving 3 buses at once!!

Maybe a mod can split this thread so we can discuss this in a separate thread?

 

[O L Leigh]

When our units were still based on Hornsey it was often the case that the driver would be relieved on the wash road by a depot driver, even though it was the mainline driver that was booked to wash and berth the unit. When this happened we'd just swap master keys the same as we would do out on the mainline.

However, one of our drivers was pulled up for speeding in the depot and only got off because of his good character and professional record that lent more weight to his explanation that he'd been relieved on the wash road and that it was the depot driver who had been speeding. Following that incident we were instructed to take our keys out whenever we were relieved on the wash road so that it would show on the OTMR where the train had been handed over.

O L Leigh

 

[Class2ldn]

Key handover at southeastern too. The 376 takes a while to set up so dont wanna be shutting.it down every time.

 

[MrC]

Sometimes the green light flashes and sometimes it doesn't when you tag on or off.

If the green light doesn't flash then the reader hasn't read the tag (AFAIK). Strange how different Desiro classes have different arrangements. Anybody know what method (if any) the new generation ones (eg Cl.380) use?

 

[Pumbaa]

From what I can see in the pictures, they use the LM version. To edit my previous post, the /1s were previously fitted with tags and readers, they are now taped over. This was done with the series of mods done to /2. As this seems to be the *newer* system, it would make sense for the 380s to also have it.

 

[The_Stig]

334's ask for the driver ID when started up the desk. Drivers can change this without removing the key by logging off.

380's don't have such a prompt. The driver must put it in his/herself.

 

[Minilad]

Usually just a key handover for us. With a Voyager you will have to enter your number on the TMS but you can do that without keying out and in again. On a 170 we tend to key out and in which enables the relieving driver to enter his number in the PIS system then swop keys.