Timetable planners in TOC's?

[AndyP]

Hello,

I am interested in becoming a timetable planner and have applied to the roles at Network Rail.
Do TOC's recruit for timetable planners at all?
Someone told me that he knew someone who worked for Northern Rail as a timetable planner.

 

[A-driver]

Hello,



I am interested in becoming a timetable planner and have applied to the roles at Network Rail.

Do TOC's recruit for timetable planners at all?

Someone told me that he knew someone who worked for Northern Rail as a timetable planner.

Yes- TOCs have their own train planning departments who work with NR to create timetables, diagram units and crews. Both long term (the twice yearly timetable change in may and December) and short term (bank hols, football trains, engineering works etc).

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Sitting as I do in the middle of a Train Planning unit / team - the TOC's have the most interesting job as they have to take the possession plan , work out the timetable , diagram units and traincrew (and buses if need be) , and pass it onto NR to "validate" the timetable plan. Always working about 16 weeks ahead for the short term and often a year or so for the fixed base timetable. As much of an art as a science- and very satisfying when the best service is delivered- and I really mean that comment. Freight planning is often much more varied than the passenger world. Often vacancies in the big London area TOC's - so put a CV around.

 

[The Planner]

If you get the choice of a TOC or NR, take the TOC.

 

[AndyP]

Thanks for all replies.

I have never the seen the position advertised externally by TOC's
Is it mainly an internal vacancy role or do they just not advertise very often.

Would it be worth sending in a speculative CV? TPE would be the nearest head office to me.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Thanks for all replies.

I have never the seen the position advertised externally by TOC's
Is it mainly an internal vacancy role or do they just not advertise very often.

Would it be worth sending in a speculative CV? TPE would be the nearest head office to me.

I said that ! - do put a CV in - whilst there is tendancy to advertise internally (planning jobs being suited to folk who understand the TOC operations) , there are often good chances for good people who are railway minded - a bit of a tendancy for "externals" to be graduate recruits these days....

 

[306024]

As well as sending your CV, perhaps you could also ask if it is possible to visit a train planning office, even if there are no current vacancies. All of them are welcoming in my experience. If you know where TPE are based that would be a good start, and they may suggest other opportunities you are unaware of. It really is a rewarding career for those with the right mindset, so good luck.