Secondman in mainland Europe

[citycat]

Just one of those random questions that occurred to me.

Secondmen, or drivers assistants used to be a big thing on British Railways in the seventies and eighties before they were phased out.

Did drivers assistants feature on the railways of mainland Europe back in the day? Are they still around somewhere today, maybe Eastern Europe?

 

[Austriantrain]

Just one of those random questions that occurred to me.

Secondmen, or drivers assistants used to be a big thing on British Railways in the seventies and eighties before they were phased out.

Did drivers assistants feature on the railways of mainland Europe back in the day? Are they still around somewhere today, maybe Eastern Europe?

I believe they were in use almost everywhere. Long, long gone in the German speaking countries of course but until recently used in Italy, and might still be the case at least partially.

 

[Iskra]

I believe they were in use almost everywhere. Long, long gone in the German speaking countries of course but until recently used in Italy, and might still be the case at least partially.

Guards often seem to sit up front in Italy where they can, although this is probably not official

 

[dutchflyer]

Dont think much-and if seen its highly likely a colleague going to/coming off work or the like. Except in some special situations where a kind of ´guide´ is prescribed due to works/special situations or precautions or the like. Nothing like USA-where I think they even still strike to keep 4 on that cab?
But today in POland-even quite short trains do have 2 conductors-but that is as hardly any local stop has staff or even machines-some time ago it was even stated to do, like on regional buses, all sales on train. But since then the www and apps have grown exponentially.

 

[D6130]

I believe they were in use almost everywhere. Long, long gone in the German speaking countries of course but until recently used in Italy, and might still be the case at least partially.

Guards often seem to sit up front in Italy where they can, although this is probably not official

Most FS Trenitalia loco-hauled trains are still double-manned (or womaned)....but by two fully-qualified drivers, who take it in turns to drive on long-distance journeys. Regional trains have to be double-manned if the loco is leading but, if formed of a multiple unit - or with a driving trailer leading - the 'Capotreno' (Conductor) must ride in the leading cab with the driver....this despite the fact that FS Trenitalia no longer have any locos and very few multiple units still in service which are not fitted with a driver's safety device. Trains operated by open access companies - both passenger and freight - are generally single-minded.

 

[Iskra]

Most FS Trenitalia loco-hauled trains are still double-manned (or womaned)....but by two fully-qualified drivers, who take it in turns to drive on long-distance journeys. Regional trains have to be double-manned if the loco is leading but, if formed of a multiple unit - or with a driving trailer leading - the 'Capotreno' (Conductor) must ride in the leading cab with the driver....this despite the fact that FS Trenitalia no longer have any locos and very few multiple units still in service which are not fitted with a driver's safety device. Trains operated by open access companies - both passenger and freight - are generally single-minded.

Interesting stuff, thanks for the insight. It all seems a bit inefficient!

 

[D6130]

Interesting stuff, thanks for the insight. It all seems a bit inefficient!

Yes....but inefficiency is Italy's byword! Their unions are still very strong.

 

[JonasB]

In Sweden, the last ones disappeared in the seventies and were replaced by ATC.

 

[ac6000cw]

Nothing like USA-where I think they even still strike to keep 4 on that cab?

Two-person crews (driver and conductor, with the conductor riding in the cab with the driver) have been standard on US freight trains since at least the 1980's. Passenger trains usually only have a driver in the cab, with the conductor in the passenger cars.