Qualified Train Drivers- Birmingham New Street

[rail-god]

Qualified Train Drivers- Birmingham New Street

Anyone know why they have been looking for Qualified drivers @New St for about 12 months now?

 

[Efini92]

I believe ( correct me if I’m wrong ) CrossCountry have an old population of drivers and ASLEF now have an agreement with them where drivers must retire at 65. I know one at Piccadilly is 74 and they’ve give him 12 months until he has to finish.
I’ve been looking at New st, they have a pretty good route card. Does anyone have any info what it’s like working there?

 

[lammergeier]

I believe ( correct me if I’m wrong ) CrossCountry have an old population of drivers and ASLEF now have an agreement with them where drivers must retire at 65. I know one at Piccadilly is 74 and they’ve give him 12 months until he has to finish.
I’ve been looking at New st, they have a pretty good route card. Does anyone have any info what it’s like working there?

This is broadly correct although the retirement age rises in line with the state pension age.

As for New St, I'm not based there but since you've had no replies I'll try to help. AIUI you'll get a choice of rest day pattern, 4 day or 5. They have a huge route card and all three traction types so they have plenty of variety (link dependent.)
Good T's & C's and great pay at XC. Not much not to like to be honest.

 

[rail-god]

Thanks for the info.

I am also interested in moving to Xcounty @ New St. Just a bit worried about how long they have been looking for driving.

 

[the sniper]

There's recently been a thread on this subject, so a few more replies for you here: https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/birmingham-new-street-xc-why-so-many-vacancies.201555/

 

[lammergeier]

Thanks for the info.

I am also interested in moving to Xcounty @ New St. Just a bit worried about how long they have been looking for driving.

Nothing to worry about, just a lot of retirements. It's a good depot.

 

[StaffsPM1]

You will also find that XC are incredibly picky with who they employ. I know a number of drivers with clean records, good people who didn't even get shortlisted!

 

[craigybagel]

I believe ( correct me if I’m wrong ) CrossCountry have an old population of drivers and ASLEF now have an agreement with them where drivers must retire at 65. I know one at Piccadilly is 74 and they’ve give him 12 months until he has to finish.
I’ve been looking at New st, they have a pretty good route card. Does anyone have any info what it’s like working there?

This is broadly correct although the retirement age rises in line with the state pension age.

As for New St, I'm not based there but since you've had no replies I'll try to help. AIUI you'll get a choice of rest day pattern, 4 day or 5. They have a huge route card and all three traction types so they have plenty of variety (link dependent.)
Good T's & C's and great pay at XC. Not much not to like to be honest.

I was told a few years ago the bottom link at New Street is170 only? So just Cardiff, Nottingham and Stansted? Not a bad route card by any means but not too much variety till you move up the links I would have thought? Though that information may well be out of date by now.

 

[lammergeier]

I was told a few years ago the bottom link at New Street is170 only? So just Cardiff, Nottingham and Stansted? Not a bad route card by any means but not too much variety till you move up the links I would have thought? Though that information may well be out of date by now.

That info is out of date, they had a big restructure a year or so ago which has resulted in faster progression and new starters signing Voyagers much quicker, there is some Voyager work in the new 5 day feeder link AIUI.

 

[craigybagel]

That info is out of date, they had a big restructure a year or so ago which has resulted in faster progression and new starters signing Voyagers much quicker, there is some Voyager work in the new 5 day feeder link AIUI.

Cheers, good to know.

 

[rail-god]

Thanks for the info.