GWR vs Southeastern

[Rocko]

Hi All,

Long time lurker, first time poster A massive thank you to all contributors on this forum who provide valuable info and tips to help people like myself get in to the railway industry. I currently have two live Trainee Driver applications - one with GWR and the other with Southeastern. I have built an impression of each TOC from assessments and interactions with staff and visiting stations, but I wanted to know what others thought. If I had the luxury to choose between the two which one would be the better TOC to work for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[ZFE95]

What depots? How far do you live from either depot and what would suit you personally? If I had the choice it'd be Southeastern as I live in SE London. However, I have heard good things about GWR overall, and I do enjoy using their trains down to Devon. Good luck either way, hope you make the right decision.

 

[donpoku]

Heard currently 25% drivers want to leave SE for other TOC. For what reason I don't know.

Never really hear any -ve from GWR.

ZFE95 point is crucial, the closer you are to your depot the BETTER. Then consider the intensity of the work and roster i.e nigts, earlies, breaks etc.

Then finally the pay and obviously the more the better.


Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

 

[HSSDriver]

GWR are the best company I've ever worked for. I've previously driven for TOCs and freight and they are head and shoulders above the others.

 

[GMT]

Heard currently 25% drivers want to leave SE for other TOC. For what reason I don't know.

Never really hear any -ve from GWR.

Sent from my LG-H850 using Tapatalk

Perhaps, just a guess, it's because Thameslink is going to cover (or better still take over SE) routes from Gillingham and Ashford next year :-?

 

[ComUtoR]

Heard currently 25% drivers want to leave SE for

Idle gossip. I haven't heard anything of the like. 25% is around 250 Drivers wanting to leave.

 

[Rocko]

GWR are the best company I've ever worked for. I've previously driven for TOCs and freight and they are head and shoulders above the others.

Thank you for the replies. Was swaying towards GWR due to heritage, area operated and general impression. However, SE pay around £6k more I think? Both depots are equal distance from me.

How is leave allocated at GWR? Is it rostered for many years ahead?

 

[HSSDriver]

GWR have a pay deal pending so that will close the gap. But sundays are outside the working week at GWR so if you did want to work your booked sundays you could easily add another £5k onto the Base salary.
Four weeks of Annual leave is pre rostered for you...But you can always swap it someone if it doesn't suit. Everywhere I've worked has been the same and you get used to it. Especially with all..the other time off you'll get.

Drop me a PM if you want anymore info

 

[cactustwirly]

I take it you're looking at Paddington depot for GWR?

If so you'll probably start as a London Thames Valley driver, and work the stopping trains from London to Reading/Oxford, and fast trains to Bedwyn and Oxford initially.
As you gain more experience, you can expand your route knowledge to cover the Cotswold line to Worcester.

You might then be able to join the HSS side which work the intercity services out to Bristol/Cheltenham/Cardiff etc

The traction is similar to SE, you'll be working both Electrostars and Networkers