First class
Established Member
- Joined
- 9 Aug 2008
- Messages
- 2,731
(I thought that link about Driverless train would link to http://www.maghullstar.co.uk/maghull-aintree-news/maghull-aintree-news/2009/07/02/derailed-train-chaos-on-merseyrail-104897-24029979/
I think the way things are going, with the guards loosing revenue duties etc, most passengers feel that the guard isn't there at the moment anyway. They rarely do their own announcements, most relying on the PIS.
I doubt there would be any major opposition from the public at least. However, I'm sure newspapers can create stories about it being 'unsafe' etc, and where the public were previously accepting the idea, they suddenly start panicking.
It would probably bring a lot of infrastructure improvements, the DOO equipment would have to be fitted, and as a lot of stations are outdated, they'd probably be refurbed.
Secondly, cost. Staffing costs for guards are a lot higher than the cost of operating DOO. In circumstances where the recession is biting, things need replacing, (Importantly, the rolling stock), removing the guards seems the easy option.
Third, with new rolling stock due, or at least due to be ordered, it would be the right time to look at implementing DOO, as they would have to expect a guard's job to be safe for anything over 30-40 years, (the life expectancy of the new stock). That is a big commitment on the company's part.
It certainly isn't nice thinking that guards would be made jobless, but I think they (some) could be dispatchers, (which would be required at busier stations).
Finally, with Serco being the operator of the DLR, as rower40 suggests, remote control trains are an option. Although it would be very adventurous, in theory it is possible. However, I am sceptical that this is something passengers/staff would think entirely safe. Laws/Rules regarding unstaffed trains underground would have to be amended.
If guards are concerned about loosing their jobs, maybe they can do things to improve their chances of staying:
1) Do a thorough ticket check, (they can still do this). Check railcards, ticket restrictions etc. Although you can't do anything if they've not got a valid ticket, at least it seems like you're doing your job, and you've "let the passenger off". Don't just walk through the train once, go back and forth checking new passengers. The passengers know you're there so can ask you questions, (they can't when you're in the back for the journey), and they know someone is there checking everything is in order. A guard at Hooton once said over the PA, "Passengers are reminded on departure from Hooton, Area B Saveaways and all TRIO tickets are not valid. You may be charged a higher fare. Please have your tickets ready".
2) Make regular announcements, even about pointless things. "I am about to conduct a ticket check, can all passengers have their tickets and passes ready for inspection" or "Some Off Peak tickets are not valid on this train" or supplement the PIS, e.g. it says change at Bidston for Wrexham. The guard could say "The next train to Wrexham via Shotton will depart at xx:xx from Platform x".
3) Keep passengers informed! If there is a delay, go through the train and explain to people why you're delayed. Tell them when you think it will be resolved.
It's not hard really.
I think the way things are going, with the guards loosing revenue duties etc, most passengers feel that the guard isn't there at the moment anyway. They rarely do their own announcements, most relying on the PIS.
I doubt there would be any major opposition from the public at least. However, I'm sure newspapers can create stories about it being 'unsafe' etc, and where the public were previously accepting the idea, they suddenly start panicking.
It would probably bring a lot of infrastructure improvements, the DOO equipment would have to be fitted, and as a lot of stations are outdated, they'd probably be refurbed.
Secondly, cost. Staffing costs for guards are a lot higher than the cost of operating DOO. In circumstances where the recession is biting, things need replacing, (Importantly, the rolling stock), removing the guards seems the easy option.
Third, with new rolling stock due, or at least due to be ordered, it would be the right time to look at implementing DOO, as they would have to expect a guard's job to be safe for anything over 30-40 years, (the life expectancy of the new stock). That is a big commitment on the company's part.
It certainly isn't nice thinking that guards would be made jobless, but I think they (some) could be dispatchers, (which would be required at busier stations).
Finally, with Serco being the operator of the DLR, as rower40 suggests, remote control trains are an option. Although it would be very adventurous, in theory it is possible. However, I am sceptical that this is something passengers/staff would think entirely safe. Laws/Rules regarding unstaffed trains underground would have to be amended.
If guards are concerned about loosing their jobs, maybe they can do things to improve their chances of staying:
1) Do a thorough ticket check, (they can still do this). Check railcards, ticket restrictions etc. Although you can't do anything if they've not got a valid ticket, at least it seems like you're doing your job, and you've "let the passenger off". Don't just walk through the train once, go back and forth checking new passengers. The passengers know you're there so can ask you questions, (they can't when you're in the back for the journey), and they know someone is there checking everything is in order. A guard at Hooton once said over the PA, "Passengers are reminded on departure from Hooton, Area B Saveaways and all TRIO tickets are not valid. You may be charged a higher fare. Please have your tickets ready".
2) Make regular announcements, even about pointless things. "I am about to conduct a ticket check, can all passengers have their tickets and passes ready for inspection" or "Some Off Peak tickets are not valid on this train" or supplement the PIS, e.g. it says change at Bidston for Wrexham. The guard could say "The next train to Wrexham via Shotton will depart at xx:xx from Platform x".
3) Keep passengers informed! If there is a delay, go through the train and explain to people why you're delayed. Tell them when you think it will be resolved.
It's not hard really.
.