ASLEF (Scotland) wanting to do away with DOO.

[MCSHF007]

I would happily vote for Scottish independence. In fact, I’m positively gagging for it. Just leave already, stop complaining, and stop taking my bloody money!

+1

 

[LowLevel]

Actually the OBS do reset passcoms/call for aids and are trained in all sorts of other stuff too like resetting smoke detectors in toilets, ramp assists and keeping passengers informed so that you can focus on driving whilst they deal with the passengers!

Someone else also mentioned that they don't need to know about trains or Railway infrastructure/geography, it's simply not true! They still use route knowledge to be in the right place at stations with short platforms and are also responsible for checking a train coming out of service at terminating stations where there are no Platform staff.

How does that align with them being able to be sent anywhere where there happens to be a shortage then? It's been put on here enough times that the OBS staff can be sent to cover a service on any route if need be. Are you saying they can actually only be sent on routes they sign, or are they just issued with a crib sheet/app/whatever detailing short platforms etc which is the impression I've previously picked up. Does an OBS need to complete any form of formal route learning and familiarisation before being deployed in a particular route?

 

[pompeyfan]

How does that align with them being able to be sent anywhere where there happens to be a shortage then? It's been put on here enough times that the OBS staff can be sent to cover a service on any route if need be. Are you saying they can actually only be sent on routes they sign, or are they just issued with a crib sheet/app/whatever detailing short platforms etc which is the impression I've previously picked up. Does an OBS need to complete any form of formal route learning and familiarisation before being deployed in a particular route?

As far as I’m aware, no they do not. a couple of years ago I got talking to an OBS who had been sat spare at Hastings, they picked up a Vic - Southampton and it was the first time in his life he’d been to Southampton, let alone knowing intermediate stations that they didn’t call at, level crossings or other features such as tunnels, cuttings and bridges.

 

[Carlisle]

If the doors are under full control or even just closing them is the responsibility of the guard then a guard must be provided and not just an OBS,QED.

This is the best compromise for new stock.

I think most TOCs have already agreed driver door release for new & compatible stock

 

[Cowley]

It feels to us that this is more along the lines of being an ASLEF wish list at the moment so we’ve locked it for now and if it gets any further we’ll have another look at it.

Thanks everyone