Train planners: what do they do?

[alphamale]

Good morning everybody

I've seen this job posted on several different TOC websites and wanted to know whether any members on this forum work in this field as I'm interested in learning more about this job?

From what I've read there are different types of train planning both short and long term and that they're responsible for timetable amendments for planned engineering works and disruptions, is that right? Any further information would be appreciated. I couldn't find much info from the forum search,Thanks

 

[HLE]

I believe 'The Planner' on here is one, but I could be wrong.

 

[306024]

Looks like nobody knows

There are all sorts of 'planning' tasks, either at the Network Rail HQ in Milton Keynes or in any of the TOCs.

The permanent timetable is surprisingly a small part of the work. There are far more staff employed to alter it, whether for engineering work, Bank Holidays or special events, than it takes to compile the base timetable in the first place.

So generally you cut your teeth on special traffic planning, producing altered schedules, which takes place at both NR and in the TOC, or if you are in a TOC producing altered unit and train crew diagrams. The more senior staff tend to do the permanent timing and diagramming.

How the planning task is tackled varies depending on where you are in the country. TOCs with intensive services tend to take the lead in timetabling where as long distance TOCs rely more on NR planners threading their trains across the network. At the end of the day NR are responsible for the final timetable so you don't always get exactly what you want as they have to consider all operators.

Freight planning is similar, but due to the nature of the business much of it is short term planning, Freightliner container traffic is the nearest you come to a permanent timetable.

To find out more contact your local TOC or NR if you're near MK (Mid Bedfordshire looks close enough) and see if you can arrange to visit a planning office, even if they are not advertising. All the planning offices I've ever dealt with have been most welcoming.

 

[The Planner]

I am, though many may disagree! Can't add much more than above. NR don't do any diagramming at all and at some busy terminii the signallers often sort out the platforming too. It can be as quick as day A for C planning right out to LTP timetable where you have a few months to do it. Unless you are looking at the short term freight or a rolling spot bid you also tend to stick to a geographic area within NR. There is always recruitment going on in MK for planners so if you have got the aptitude for it then make contact.

 

[whoosh]

I posted some information about train planning in this old thread. Ignore the * asterisks though - they don't seem to make sense, and I think I put them in by accident.
Anyway, I hope it helps!

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59171

 

[gji]

I have recently started working for a long distance TOC in train planning. I'm generally new to the industry and have been enjoying the work so far.

I think what's been posted already covers it pretty well, but I'm happy to answer any specific questions if you PM me.