FACT OR FICTION
BEST-LAID PLANS
From engineering works to strikes, the Train Planning team ensure our services are delivered whatever the disruption. But is it really as simple as ‘pushing a button’? Nicole Smith, train planning manager, separates fact from fiction
Planning a driver’s diagram for their shift is governed by
a strict set of rules
FACT: As well as taking into account driver needs such as regular breaks, the train planning team also calculate such things as signing on and off, continuous driving times and driver route knowledge. A lot of thought and different factors go into planning each diagram.
With today’s technology, all Train Planning has to do is press a button and let the system do the rest
FICTION: The complexity of the numerous factors that go into the planning process makes it unlikely an automated system will ever be able to handle it alone. The team deals with two systems, for timing trains and diagramming, and changes have to be made manually to each separately.
Planning play a vital role in ensuring services continue to run during industrial action
FACT: Planning work closely with Network Rail to determine which routes are available to operate services, and with the operations teams to decide what level of service we can run with the staff available, before then agreeing that plan with Transport for London. Once finalised, that plan is then handed over to Control to deliver the service on the day.
When new stations open, Planning have an important part to play
FACT: When new stations such as Barking Riverside open, the Planning team are responsible not only for scheduling new services, but also making sure that driver training is carried out at times that don’t interfere with the operation of existing services.
Planning and rostering are one and the same
FICTION: While they work together very closely – and even share the same office – the Planning and Rostering departments work separately. Planning create the drivers’ diagrams, which are then sent to the Rostering team to allocate. The teams then work together to resolve any issues.
Train Planning provide valuable learning opportunities to people inside and outside the business
FACT: Each year, the team welcomes a new graduate, who this year is studying a Transport and Logistics Management degree at Huddersfield University, while people regularly join for two-week work experience placements. Internally, the team encourages its staff to go out and see other parts of the business first-hand – and are always happy to welcome colleagues to visit them to do the same!
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