Driver only operation

[Andrew32]

Will Driver only operation become a reality (Northern franchise)?

 

[Cherry_Picker]

This thread is going to go well, isn't it?

 

[HH]

Will Driver only operation become a reality (Northern franchise)?

No. This has already been covered elsewhere, but it's not even a remote possibility.

 

[trentside]

There's been a fairly long debate recently in this thread;

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=102780

Do we really need to cover the same ground again, so soon?

 

[21C101]

Will Driver only operation become a reality (Northern franchise)?

If the line is equipped with GSM-R, the trains have on board DOO CCTV and the stations are staffed so the guard does not carry out ticket selling duties, then probably yes sooner or later, otherwise No.

So, with the possible exception of the new trans pennine trains unlikely for the forseeable future in the North.


To have DOO you need all of the following

* GSM-R or Cab Secure Radio (CSR). CSR is only installed in the ex Network Southeast Area.

* Cameras and screens on platform or on train. Platform cameras are very capital intensive so I would be surprised if any more platform installations are ever done, so it will need new trains in other places

* The guard not carrying out ticket selling duties.

I would expect the next major expansions of DOO will be on Southern where the 377s have cameras onboard (which is already exercising the Brothers) and (the big controversial one) SWT when the 455s are replaced.

Less clear is whether cameras will ever be retrofitted on existing stock during works visits. (e.g. Class 171s on the Uckfield line)

 

[yorkie]

I don't think we need another thread on this.

In the unlikely anything that any new information has come to light, or your questions haven't been answered, feel free to post on DOO on Northern and general discussion on future staffing arrangements, which is specifically for discussing the possibility of DOO on Northern (and not for whether or not we should have DOO...)

We've had dozens of threads along the lines of "Should we have DOO?" (which often involve confusion as to what DOO actually is!), the most recent of which is the thread trentside linked to above: Should we have DOO?

Both threads are still open