Question about drivers in current Northern/GTR disruption

[Dunderhead]

I've been following the news reports about the extensive disruption affecting Northern and GTR since their major timetable changes, and I gather that the main cause for the disruption is that many drivers had not yet finished training for the new routes, by no fault of their own, so they can't drive them.

Given the very large number of cancellations that are taking place each day, this for me begs the question, what are the drivers who would have driven the cancelled services but can't, doing instead? Are they on leave, or are they at work but with extended periods where they have nothing to do? Are they still being paid as normal?

 

[OxtedSignaller]

They are learning the routes. There is multiple reasons why not. One of the worst routes is the Horsham-Peterborough route which is mainly operated by Horsham and Peterborough crews. Up until recently these drivers would not drive through the Thameslink core. Horsham was a Southern depot and Peterborough was a Great Northern depot hence why they need to learn the route and the traction.

There is only a limited number of Driving instructors, CDMs etc and a large number of drivers compared to the daily train service which is why it takes so long. They have closed the training school and cancelled initial competency assessments for new drivers which shows how much they are focusing on the route learning.

 

[sbec4]

Another question on simulation...not on simulation for drivers but on system simulation. Do the train operators get the opportunity to create a timetable and then input a number of 'what if' scenarios to see the impact.For example X train is delayed or driver availability is down to Y per cent, train availability is Z per cent, that sort of thing. Combinations, scenarios, would foresee some challenges. If they do, I apologise...but maybe its not working....

 

[Antman]

They are learning the routes. There is multiple reasons why not. One of the worst routes is the Horsham-Peterborough route which is mainly operated by Horsham and Peterborough crews. Up until recently these drivers would not drive through the Thameslink core. Horsham was a Southern depot and Peterborough was a Great Northern depot hence why they need to learn the route and the traction.

There is only a limited number of Driving instructors, CDMs etc and a large number of drivers compared to the daily train service which is why it takes so long. They have closed the training school and cancelled initial competency assessments for new drivers which shows how much they are focusing on the route learning.

Forgive me if I'm missing something here but wouldn't the solution have been for Peterborough drivers to come off at Finsbury Park, qualified drivers or instructors do the core and a Horsham driver take over at London Bridge until the necessary training is completed?

 

[ComUtoR]

Given the very large number of cancellations that are taking place each day, this for me begs the question, what are the drivers who would have driven the cancelled services but can't, doing instead?

Watch telly, play darts/pool and sit about eating doughnuts.

 

[iantherev]

You won’t get much training done if the instructors are all driving trains through the Core. In any case, adding further crew changes is a recipe for further disruptions.

 

[fulmar]

......what are the drivers who would have driven the cancelled services but can't, doing instead? Are they on leave, or are they at work but with extended periods where they have nothing to do? Are they still being paid as normal?

Some are doing traction and route training. Many find themselves displaced due to late running or cancellations. A lot of time may be spent travelling passenger in trains or taxis to get to their next working. Some may have extended periods with nothing to do. It is tempting to suggest just putting them on the next working that has no driver but that will simply result in them being further displaced with further implications for the train plan later in their shift. Drivers are still required to come to work for their rostered hours so are being paid as normal.

 

[theironroad]

Though I can't speak for the gtr set up, qualified drivers don't need a driving instructor for route learning. What they do need is access to the front cab with a driver who is allowed to accept them. With less trains running, a lot of newer drivers and more drivers trying to get in the cab, the amount of route learning refusals increases. A di or trainer could take over the train if they themselves sign the new routes. Alternatively, empty trains could be used specifically for route learning trips.