Train drivers...your uniform!

[BestWestern]

Why so? Are you saying it never happens? Obviously this can be taken as a 'worst case scenario' -but if I compare the posting of the OP and your response, I know which I would consider the 'sillier' statement.

I do not believe there was any such hint of 'superiority'. Why bring this into it?

It merely comes down to priorities. If time is tight, does a driver stop to answer even one passenger's enquiry - knowing, from experience that it can lead to five more passengers appearing, each with a different query - all of which may lead to further delays .... or does he/she shift asap to the driving cab and get the train ready to depart?

I think the answer should be pretty obvious to all but the most self-centred passenger.

Taking a non-DOO service, if time is tight and the Driver needs to walk from one end of the train to the other, where do you think the Guard needs to walk? Yep, top marks, he's doing exactly the same walk but in the opposite direction. If the Driver refers every passenger query on to the Guard, the Guard has double the number of questions to answer. If the Driver takes the few moments to offer a sensible answer to most of the average questions - and the vast majority are perfectly capable of doing so - the process takes half as long. Clever stuff, isn't it... :roll: Silly old me. Thankfully, most of the chaps I work with must be as silly as me, cos most of them are quite happy to be helpful.

 

[jindivik]

what a load of rubbish! I've often wondered (as platform staff) why Drivers, and sometimes guards get away with much more lax uniform standards than other members of staff.

The argument of being distracted by customers is laughable..........i've often times walked down platforms full of hundreds of people, fully uniformed & not been asked a simple question....if you're in a rush a simple "sorry, i can't help right now but the info you're looking for should be on the screen *points to screen*" ..... it really isn't difficult.

 

[hairyhandedfool]

Taking a non-DOO service, if time is tight and the Driver needs to walk from one end of the train to the other, where do you think the Guard needs to walk? Yep, top marks, he's doing exactly the same walk but in the opposite direction. If the Driver refers every passenger query on to the Guard, the Guard has double the number of questions to answer. If the Driver takes the few moments to offer a sensible answer to most of the average questions - and the vast majority are perfectly capable of doing so - the process takes half as long. Clever stuff, isn't it... :roll: Silly old me. Thankfully, most of the chaps I work with must be as silly as me, cos most of them are quite happy to be helpful.

Ah, but what happens when the Guard and Driver get to their respective ends of the train? Every situation is different, but having had to put up with some of the passengers on our network face to face, I really wouldn't blame drivers for wanting to avoid some of them.

what a load of rubbish! I've often wondered (as platform staff) why Drivers, and sometimes guards get away with much more lax uniform standards than other members of staff....

I used to aswell, and then I tried the job and found out.

....The argument of being distracted by customers is laughable..........i've often times walked down platforms full of hundreds of people, fully uniformed & not been asked a simple question....if you're in a rush a simple "sorry, i can't help right now but the info you're looking for should be on the screen *points to screen*" ..... it really isn't difficult.

The number of people who have approached me (as ticket office staff on a station with platform staff) and ask me when or where there train is because "I can't see it on the screen", would suggest that it isn't always as simple as pointing at the screens, besides which, it'd probably be taken as bad "customer service" and/or "fobbing off".

 

[ComUtoR]

f you're in a rush a simple "sorry, i can't help right now but the info you're looking for should be on the screen *points to screen*" ..... it really isn't difficult.

Is that good customer service ? There are many, especially amongst the more vociferous RUK users, who would suggest that it is your responsibility to know and understand the service as well as being able to provide correct ticketing information (being an authorised person etc.) and that customer service and this kind of information IS part of your job and essential as a modern Driver and modern TOC representative.

Passing the passenger/customer off is just as bad. Having a uniform and more defined roles means that a passenger/customer can easily identify who can give the right information. Making us look like platform staff only confuses the passenger.

Our new 'Passenger Hosts' are in some weird *******ised uniform that looks like a flight attendant. They are forking useless at their jobs and passengers pretty much ignore them and go straight to the service desk where they know they will get the right information. Again; having clearly identified staff and clearly identified sources of information is better for the passenger.

I expect a Driver to know where they are going and how to drive the train. I do not expect them to know how much it costs to XXX and what platform the next one is on. If I can't identify the right member of staff to find the information I'm looking for then I lean towards the OP and that staff should have a uniform that identifies them more clearly.

 

[bramling]

what a load of rubbish! I've often wondered (as platform staff) why Drivers, and sometimes guards get away with much more lax uniform standards than other members of staff.

The argument of being distracted by customers is laughable..........i've often times walked down platforms full of hundreds of people, fully uniformed & not been asked a simple question....if you're in a rush a simple "sorry, i can't help right now but the info you're looking for should be on the screen *points to screen*" ..... it really isn't difficult.

In answer to the first point, there's various reasons. First and foremost, the simple reality is drivers have a lot more leverage. As a train crew supervisor, if you start being too picky with uniform you will soon end up in the position where you will be refusing to book someone on or sending them home. In turn, sooner or later you will end up doing this when you have no spares, so have now caused a cancellation. This won't go down well with the company, plus you've also just alienated a driver who next week you might be needing a favour from.

It's simply not practicable nor desirable to have the driver performing too much of a customer service role on platforms. Sure, quick questions like "does this train go to X?" pose no problem. But some situations will cause a lot of delay. Say a train is terminating at a given location due to a problem ahead. PAs have already been made, but as usual many people weren't listening or couldn't understand English. Now the driver has to tip out the train before continuing empty. I can guarantee there will be a whole batch of people who will expect travel advice right down to which bus to take and where to catch it from. Even if it's patently clear from body language that the driver is under time pressure, many people don't take the hint and still rather arrogantly expect to get undivided attention. Whilst all this is going on there is of course another full train of passengers stuck waiting to enter the platform. The driver can't refer to staff as there isn't anyone else nearby, and your information screen is showing wrong information. This is a real-life example, by the way.

 

[jindivik]

In answer to the first point, there's various reasons. First and foremost, the simple reality is drivers have a lot more leverage. As a train crew supervisor, if you start being too picky with uniform you will soon end up in the position where you will be refusing to book someone on or sending them home. In turn, sooner or later you will end up doing this when you have no spares, so have now caused a cancellation. This won't go down well with the company, plus you've also just alienated a driver who next week you might be needing a favour from.

It's simply not practicable nor desirable to have the driver performing too much of a customer service role on platforms. Sure, quick questions like "does this train go to X?" pose no problem. But some situations will cause a lot of delay. Say a train is terminating at a given location due to a problem ahead. PAs have already been made, but as usual many people weren't listening or couldn't understand English. Now the driver has to tip out the train before continuing empty. I can guarantee there will be a whole batch of people who will expect travel advice right down to which bus to take and where to catch it from. Even if it's patently clear from body language that the driver is under time pressure, many people don't take the hint and still rather arrogantly expect to get undivided attention. Whilst all this is going on there is of course another full train of passengers stuck waiting to enter the platform. The driver can't refer to staff as there isn't anyone else nearby, and your information screen is showing wrong information. This is a real-life example, by the way.

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........ countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway......... in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

 

[HowardGWR]

Earlier on, the very sensible suggestion was that drivers should dress as Japanese drivers do, similar to airline pilots*. I often see these staff in airports moving to their duties and I would not expect such staff to know the timetable. Even if I was as stupid as to think so. it would not make any difference, because no loss of revenue would ensue. Such thickos will go an travelling regardless.

*I do think a raising of standards of appearance is generally desirable. Obesity should not be tolerated and a military standard of service be strived for. In fairness, there are some TOCs where a general smart attitude is evident, I cite SWT.

 

[Latecomer]

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........ countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway......... in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

The second part of your statement highlights that you have no understanding of the priorities of the driver. One moment of rushing can be career ending and potentially life threatening. I'm not one for deliberately taking an age to change ends, but equally there have been instances where staff who have NO place whatsoever to attempt to rush a driver have done so. The further those staff are from a safety critical role the worse they have been. Most dispatchers are OK as they understand the implications. I can't say the same of all platform staff. That's not me being condescending, it's down to a basic lack of comprehension by some as to what is really important. A driver who places delay at the top of their list of priorities will come seriously unstuck in no time at all.

 

[bramling]

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........ countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway......... in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

It's a case of picking one's battles wisely. In most cases uniform for train drivers simply isn't near the top of the priority list, whereas running trains is. The exception is where non-compliance with uniform standards contravenes a safety standard, for example failing to wear a hi-vi in a depot.

We're starting to look at two different issues here. One is drivers doing their own thing as regards to what they wear, whilst another is the company having a uniform for drivers (and certain other grades, in particular incident response) which is smart and readily identifiable to people who need to know, but not so conspicuous that it stands out that bit too much. It's simply not ideal for the driver to be attracting people like flies when stuff is going on - it doesn't benefit *anyone*.

 

[ComUtoR]

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........

Pretty much yes. Our control have certainly alienated Drivers to such a point where the smallest favour gets refused. There are one of two members of our control where I will outright refuse to hep them in any way whatsoever. Conversely there are some who I will bend over backwards to help without question.

countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway.........

Drivers have turn around times which they need to adhere to. If you arrive late then you can, and many do, keep to your turn around time and the unit goes back late again. I haven't met many platform staff who know the turnaround times. Equally I can say the same for many occasions where the dispatcher just isn't there and I can see them chatting or just dawdling up the unit and I'm late out.

in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

When I get the delay I just attribute it to late dispatch, nothing more, nothing less. All our dispatched departures are called in over the radio to the TCS room in any case. Numerous times I've heard them say "XX Vic, +1, awaiting Driver"

I have NEVER been pulled up about any delay when changing ends and we complain about them all the time.

 

[theironroad]

Obesity should not be tolerated and a military standard of service be strived for. In fairness, there are some TOCs where a general smart attitude is evident, I cite SWT.

What a load of tosh. As long as someone passes a medical and is fit to do the job, ie drive trains, then their weight and 'obesity' isn't relevant just because you don't like the look of someone who is overweight in a uniform.

 

[Dieseldriver]

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........ countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway......... in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

Why do you expect the driver to sprint? Delays eating into turnaround times are generally because the train has been running on cautionary signals on the way in or involved in degraded working. That can be quite draining, particularly when you know youwill probably have a similar journey on the way back out.
We also don't get much opportunity to use a toilet. I've been harassed by platform staff at the end of a 2 and half hour journey who took exception to me wishing to go for a wee before changing end and driving for another 2 and half hours. I know, really inconsiderate of me.
You also may be one of those staff who get obsessively fixated with trains running to time, as a Driver my priorities are the safety of me and my many passengers and my own personal health and career.
But maybe you're right in your little single station bubble where safety critical members of staff in mentally demanding jobs should be taking risks and blindly rushing to satisfy your. In which case next time I will sprint to the other end of my train, dive into the cab and set the cab up in a hurried and haphazard manner. I will neglect the safety checks to satisfy your and I will approach my role in a flustered. Then I'll spend the next 2 and a half hours crossing my legs while desperate for the toilet, at the controls of a several hundred tonne train with several hundred passengers relying on me to get them from A to B safely.

 

[Sirgerbil]

Obesity should not be tolerated and a military standard of service be strived for.

What relevance does this have to anything? We're talking about a uniform, Which believe it or not comes in various sizes to fit different people.

If a medical professional states you are fit to do a job, what's the issue?

Hopefully you'll never need the aid of a paramedic or police officer, but make sure when you look at them before they assist you, because if they are "Obese" you'll probably want to decline their services based on your views.

 

[jindivik]

Comutor, out of interest what is the turn around time drivers should adhere to? We aim for no more than 2 minutes at platform, obviously not achievable in a lot or instances, what is the time limit given to drivers? I don't want to say anymore than I've already said as it will just lead to "yeah, they do that....but these people do that....blah blah blah" I just know from personal experience that a large number of drivers actually do take the p*ss

 

[ComUtoR]

Comutor, out of interest what is the turn around time drivers should adhere to? We aim for no more than 2 minutes at platform

I thought you knew. From your post it seems clear that you were aware the Drivers were deliberately taking their time.

obviously not achievable in a lot or instances, what is the time limit given to drivers?

You don't work out of any of my London terminals then. None of ours are 2 minutes. Our times are agreed by the Union and Management and have been in place for years. It would be interesting to know if our platform staff have been told different times for turning around units. At my TOC they have zero responsibility for that. Ours is also dependent on unit length (2-Car -12-Car) and also dependent on what has been diagrammed. (REL, RELD, TC, B, PC) etc. It could be anywhere between 4 and 20 and that's at any of our London terminals

I just know from personal experience that a large number of drivers actually do take the p*ss

Report them if you feel they are taking the pee.

 

[jindivik]

turn around times may vary based on TOC or location then? .... i obviously don't know the turn around times you've been given or i wouldn't have asked the question.

Timetables should allow plenty of turn around time to give the driver chance for any needs to be met, PNB's ... etc...... but if the service is running late, that's what my question was aimed at.

I've never submitted a report on any member of staff, and the only instance i would do so would be if a genuine safety issue arises.......we log our delays onto delay sheets with the reason for the delay which are then faxed for control....if i'm waiting for a driver to get into their cab after having a nice little chat with another driver they may not have seen for a while then the delay goes down to "waiting for driver to get into the cab" .... if control decide to pursue it then they can speak to the driver themselves

 

[ComUtoR]

turn around times may vary based on TOC or location then? ....

Ours are based on unit length and diagram content. Walking times are determined by location. They are different to turn around times but can, and do, affect Drivers getting to and from their units.

Timetables should allow plenty of turn around time to give the driver chance for any needs to be met, PNB's ... etc...... but if the service is running late, that's what my question was aimed at.

LOL, ROFL and whatever interweb laughing comment can be inserted. Turn around times (at my TOC) are so tight that a single minute means the unit is late for the rest of the day and the delay only gets worse. The timetable does not reflect the reality of running the service and much of the problems is down to diagramming rather than the actual timetable. We have complained about tight turn arounds for years and nothing has ever been done. I predict nothing will ever be done either.

If the service is running late then that's pretty much tough. Recovery time isn't built into my diagrammed turn around time so we run late all day. That isn't us deliberately going slow either. Arrive late pretty much means it leaves late. There have been too many Drivers involved in an incident and then the time it took for them to change ends or take a shorter PNB becomes a contributing factor for others to continue to chase time. Out turnaround times are so tight that a single passenger question can, and often does, delay the train further.

countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow

Making comments like this when you don't know if the Driver is taking their time or in fact using their booked turnaround time shows how disconnected each grade is.

 

[Tomnick]

turn around times may vary based on TOC or location then? .... i obviously don't know the turn around times you've been given or i wouldn't have asked the question.

Yes, they vary by TOC, location, traction and even the origin of incoming services. There are agreed minimum allowances (in Network Rail's timetable planning rules) for turning around terminating services. There'll then be agreements at TOC level, on which traincrew diagrams are based, for everything for the minimum allowance for changing ends, for walking from one platform to another, for prepping a unit or a full rake - for everything.

Timetables should allow plenty of turn around time to give the driver chance for any needs to be met, PNB's ... etc...... but if the service is running late, that's what my question was aimed at.

The timetable allows plenty of turnaround time to give the driver time to change ends and set up the cab. That's about it, really. Their diagram should incorporate their formal breaks, but drivers can go anything up to six hours or so without a break. I think they can reasonably be excused taking their time, to a certain extent, when a turnaround is squeezed by an earlier delay, just to give themselves half a chance to get themselves together before another two or three hours in the seat...

I've never submitted a report on any member of staff, and the only instance i would do so would be if a genuine safety issue arises.......we log our delays onto delay sheets with the reason for the delay which are then faxed for control....if i'm waiting for a driver to get into their cab after having a nice little chat with another driver they may not have seen for a while then the delay goes down to "waiting for driver to get into the cab" .... if control decide to pursue it then they can speak to the driver themselves

You might well log the delay on a little delay sheet and fax it to Control, but that's not the same as delays having "been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other". Platform staff don't attribute delays. If the train's late in, the chances are that any late start will be attributed to the root cause of the delay to the incoming working - even more so if it's a late start but still turned around within the agreed time allowed.

 

[455driver]

Taking a non-DOO service, if time is tight and the Driver needs to walk from one end of the train to the other, where do you think the Guard needs to walk? Yep, top marks, he's doing exactly the same walk but in the opposite direction.

Not necessarily,the Guard might be working from the inner cabs of a non gangwayed combination so has about 10ft to walk.

 

[BTU]

Yes, they vary by TOC, location, traction and even the origin of incoming services. There are agreed minimum allowances (in Network Rail's timetable planning rules) for turning around terminating services. There'll then be agreements at TOC level, on which traincrew diagrams are based, for everything for the minimum allowance for changing ends, for walking from one platform to another, for prepping a unit or a full rake - for everything.


The timetable allows plenty of turnaround time to give the driver time to change ends and set up the cab. That's about it, really. Their diagram should incorporate their formal breaks, but drivers can go anything up to six hours or so without a break. I think they can reasonably be excused taking their time, to a certain extent, when a turnaround is squeezed by an earlier delay, just to give themselves half a chance to get themselves together before another two or three hours in the seat...


You might well log the delay on a little delay sheet and fax it to Control, but that's not the same as delays having "been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other". Platform staff don't attribute delays. If the train's late in, the chances are that any late start will be attributed to the root cause of the delay to the incoming working - even more so if it's a late start but still turned around within the agreed time allowed.

I wear my own jacket to work and keep my company coat in my locker, I dont mind helping people but some people can be very testing and some just want to vent their anger and frustration at you which I do understand but like I said a simple change of coat at work will solve any problems you may have. SIMPLES.

 

[BestWestern]

I do think a raising of standards of appearance is generally desirable. Obesity should not be tolerated and a military standard of service be strived for. In fairness, there are some TOCs where a general smart attitude is evident, I cite SWT.

I'm not sure that 'military standards' are completely appropriate, but I would agree that railway staff should look professional. I would suggest that the reason SWT manage this, as well as some other TOCs, is very probably because "we are paying you pushing £50k and you'll bloody well wear the uniform we've given you", probably applies in those cases where certain individuals may feel that the rules are there to be disregarded. And rightly so; dressing properly and wearing the correct uniform has no get-out clauses. It starts in front of the mirror at home, well before any of the safety stuff comes into play.

 

[axlecounter]

I have to admit I always go to work badly dressed and often don't even shave or comb my hair. I must really look bad as a driver.

Anyway the noise of shaving at 2.40am would awake my 2yo daughter who in turn would make my wife jump out of the bed. And you don't want that to happen, do you?

 

[Juniper Driver]

I'm not sure that 'military standards' are completely appropriate, but I would agree that railway staff should look professional. I would suggest that the reason SWT manage this, as well as some other TOCs, is very probably because "we are paying you pushing £50k and you'll bloody well wear the uniform we've given you", probably applies in those cases where certain individuals may feel that the rules are there to be disregarded. And rightly so; dressing properly and wearing the correct uniform has no get-out clauses. It starts in front of the mirror at home, well before any of the safety stuff comes into play.

I see money comes into this (yet) again.I see a lot of you forgot when our wages weren't so good (no constant moaning about it then).Privatisation wasn't our choice it was yours.I've known many railway staff in my time who were very professional however they dressed plus we had uniform then as well.

What a load of tosh. As long as someone passes a medical and is fit to do the job, ie drive trains, then their weight and 'obesity' isn't relevant just because you don't like the look of someone who is overweight in a uniform.

Got to agree.There is so much tosh on this thread.

 

[BestWestern]

I see money comes into this (yet) again.I see a lot of you forgot when our wages weren't so good (no constant moaning about it then).Privatisation wasn't our choice it was yours.I've known many railway staff in my time who were very professional however they dressed plus we had uniform then as well.

Why shouldn't wearing your uniform properly be a reasonable consideration if you're in a well paid job? I'm crew as well, being decently paid makes me considerably more respectful of the uniform policy than I might be if I was on the minimum wage. Our place has recently introduced new kit, the Drivers have a casual version for those who want it, and many have said they aren't overly keen as it makes them look like they're delivering a parcel. By contrast, we have a good few who have chosen to wear a shirt, tie, blazer and look superb (shock, horror!) - we're all professionals, I fail to grasp where the problem lies. But yes, I do think being on a good salary helps with respecting the uniform decisions your employer makes, unless the stuff is absolutely dire. As for voting for privatisation, no I didn't

 

[CharlieSpotted]

I've been thinking about this and, whilst I bow to those with greater experience, I think this just about sums up every passenger interaction with a driver I've ever been witness to:

Passenger: Excuse me, is this the train to Birmingham?
Driver: Yep.
Passenger: Great, thanks.

*Passenger jumps on train*

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I've been thinking about this and, whilst I bow to those with greater experience, I think this just about sums up every passenger interaction with a driver I've ever been witness to:

Passenger: Excuse me, is this the train to Birmingham?
Driver: Yep.
Passenger: Great, thanks.

*Passenger jumps on train*

As a trainee driver (DOO) a good few years ago, changing ends to head out again, I was asked about the validity of a ticket at a station that had a fully staffed (and open) ticket office and platform staff. My driver trainer was glad I got the question because, he admitted, there's no way he could have answered it.

 

[AlterEgo]

I see money comes into this (yet) again.I see a lot of you forgot when our wages weren't so good (no constant moaning about it then).Privatisation wasn't our choice it was yours.I've known many railway staff in my time who were very professional however they dressed plus we had uniform then as well.



Got to agree.There is so much tosh on this thread.

Don't you think that being presentable is part of the world of work?

Safety begins at home. As they say in the military, "button today, safety catch tomorrow".

In any case, being smart gives the appearance of being conscientious, diligent, and professional.

 

[W230]

I've been thinking about this and, whilst I bow to those with greater experience, I think this just about sums up every passenger interaction with a driver I've ever been witness to:

Passenger: Excuse me, is this the train to Birmingham?
Driver: Yep.
Passenger: Great, thanks.

*Passenger jumps on train*

Haha most of the questions I get go something like:

"Is this train stopping at Hendon?"
"No"
"Oh. Where's it going then?"
"West Hampstead"
"So it is stopping at Hendon then."
"No. It doesn't go past West Hampstead"
"Oh. Are you sure?".
"Yes. very sure".
"Oh. Well I want to go to Radlett but I think I need the Hendon train...? Or does this train go to Radlett?"

 

[theironroad]

Haha most of the questions I get go something like:

"Is this train stopping at Hendon?"
"No"
"Oh. Where's it going then?"
"West Hampstead"
"So it is stopping at Hendon then."
"No. It doesn't go past West Hampstead"
"Oh. Are you sure?".
"Yes. very sure".
"Oh. Well I want to go to Radlett but I think I need the Hendon train...? Or does this train go to Radlett?"

Alternatively:

'Are' you sure?'
'No'
They then walk off.....


So many passengers ignore the answer you give them anyway, the whole exercise is often a waste of time for both sides.

 

[Bromley boy]

Interesting points there, the first one...alienating a driver and potentially them shove a rest day back in your face? ........ countless times (as platform staff) delays have been attributed to drivers taking their sweet time to get from one end of the train to the other, in some cases, knowing full well they are late but deliberately going slow anyway......... in the same situation, would you not tell them to hurry up in case you alienate them there too? .... who's supposed to be running the company? managers or drivers?

I think you're on very thin ice with this one.

You've admitted you don't know how long the booked turnaround times are so how do your know drivers are "taking their sweet time" rather than just changing ends in the normal way? You've also mentioned drivers "having a chat", how do you know they aren't discussing important information e.g. coach locked out, slow doors, motors out, low adhesion?

At my TOC you can have as little as 7 or 8 minutes to change ends in an 8-10 car train, key on, lights, brake test, set up radio and PIS. If you arrive three minutes down you're guaranteed to leave late. I don't dawdle, but I certainly don't rush from one end of the train to the other. You might well perceive this as "taking my sweet time" but that's fine with me as I know how my manager would react if I had an incident and told him I had been rushing to make up time. I stick to a routine which doesn't vary according to whether the train is on time or late.

There's a natural conflict between platform staff and drivers. Platform staff are required to get trains in and out as quickly as possible, drivers are tasked with driving the trains safely and in accordance with relevant policies and procedures. It irritates me when I change ends and someone is flashing CD at me before I've even keyed on. I shut my cab blind and ignore it until I'm ready.

I think until you've walked a mile in another grade's shoes you should be a bit slower to criticise. You'll see it from a different perspective if you go driving one day, just as I would if I spent time working on the platforms.