Use of Tablets by Drivers

[gswindale]

I speak as an individual who has successfully defended drivers on charges relating to unauthorised use of technology and at this point in time the preferred option is not to put the temptation there,as we have explained to the drivers in our company without complaint.

If the protection of members gives the unions a bad name then god help us.

I understand where you're coming from; however I would have thought that from a "protection of members" perspective the union reps would want to engage with their employers as to how modern technology can be used to assist their members in carrying out their duties?

 

[91104]

As I mentioned in an earlier post us drivers at East Coast have been issued i pads but as far as I know their use is not mandatory at the moment and a few drivers I know want nothing to do with them. As someone who don't always like change I was a bit sceptical at first and at the moment they act as nothing more than an expensive schedule card but now its just become part of my routine. There has been a recent update to the TAS system and the screen brightness can be adjusted and an emergency speedometer has been fitted and I'm sure more improvements/updates will be added as the system evolves.
I'm sure in time things like WON/PONs,route maps,rosters ,rule books etc will be added and they will become more useful.
As regards some earlier scaremongering posts they're not a distraction in the cab and there's no need to touch the screen whilst on the move and the company has even gave us an i tunes account to download apps and I've got Bbc i player,games (including Candy Crush) downloaded on mine which comes in handy on spare/standby turns and I like to think we're treated like adults and trusted not to browse the net or play games on the move.
I'm not aware of any of the Twitter army reporting drivers for watching TV on the move as the screens are quite visible in the DVT when at a station so I don't think any drivers have anything to fear.

 

[ComUtoR]

I speak as an individual who has successfully defended drivers on charges relating to unauthorized use of technology and at this point in time the preferred option is not to put the temptation there,as we have explained to the drivers in our company without complaint.

There is a very distinct difference.

I can understand where your coming from in the temptation aspect but being obstinate about something that is clearly advantageous to the Driving grade as a whole is a very poor attitude. Treating us all like children is frankly patronizing. The few bad eggs that want to to drive with headphones, use their mobile on the move, read the paper, etc. put their jobs at risk and if you want to play the constant bad scenario's and what if's; they are also putting others at risk by compromising safety and disregarding the rule book. Keep protecting those who constantly do wrong and failing to support those who are constantly pushing the railways forward and doing our jobs to the letter.

As I mentioned in an earlier post us drivers at East Coast have been issued i pads but as far as I know their use is not mandatory at the moment and a few drivers I know want nothing to do with them.

ASLEF on SE have mandated their use under the new pay agreement.

As someone who don't always like change I was a bit skeptical at first and at the moment they act as nothing more than an expensive schedule card but now its just become part of my routine.

Can you elaborate ? I have a vested interest in their usage and as to them being used as a schedule card specifically to this thread. Is it docked in the Cab ? Does it display your schedule just as a paper version does ? Can you "write on it" ? Cheers in advance.

There has been a recent update to the TAS system and the screen brightness can be adjusted and an emergency speedometer has been fitted and I'm sure more improvements/updates will be added as the system evolves.

I like Tablet and the more technological approach because it can be updated. This update on the fly approach is better than having bespoke products that are broken from day one and we are lumbered with it forever. Ahem; Networker PIS...

 

[Greenback]

I speak as an individual who has successfully defended drivers on charges relating to unauthorised use of technology and at this point in time the preferred option is not to put the temptation there,as we have explained to the drivers in our company without complaint.

If the protection of members gives the unions a bad name then god help us.

Thanks for posting some clarification. I understand the reasoning behind what you say, but my view is that drivers should be treated as professionals and, as long as things are explained to them and it;s made clear what is and is not allowed, I am sure that they will not succumb to temptation.