PART ONE: New train introduction - How difficult can it really be?

The UK mainline fleet is changing, everyone’s getting new trains! The average age of Britain’s rolling stock fleet has fallen for the first time since 2005 and the ORR estimates that around 7,200 new vehicles are expected to be delivered between 2014 and 2021, which will increase the UK fleet size by approximately 50%.

Like every new train, every new train introduction is unique. The challenges one introduction may face may not even be a consideration for another. A number of high-profile rail projects such as Crossrail and the May 18’ timetable change has cited new trains as a contributing factor to their delays.

Below is a list of the top challenges to consider in a new train introduction programme:

• Part One: Training
• Part Two: Stabling & Cascade
• Part three: Infrastructure
• Part four: Functionality & reliability
• Part Five: Assurance & testing

Part One: Training how difficult can it really be?

When introducing a new stock everyone who works with that stock will probably require some form of training. For most new train introductions this will amount to 1000’s of staff members.

Existing Drivers

Often a traction conversation course is required, which depending on the differences and advances between the current stock operated and the new stock could be up to a few weeks training per driver. With some Train Operating Companies (TOC’s) having 1000+ drivers requiring training this isn't going to happen over night!

Above is an example of the class 315 cab the MTR drivers operated before they went through the conversion training to operate the new class 345 Elizabeth line trains . As you can see the technology advancement to be trained on is vast

Then there are the following considerations;

• Driver release, how many drivers can be released per day to attend training without risking driver shortages to operate a service?
• When to train, do you risk a new train and new driver operating on a busy route during peak?
• Where to train, some routes are so congested getting driver training paths can involve re-timetabling trains, trains which may be operated by other TOC’s
• How many drivers require training before trains can be introduced into service, if this is too low you run the risk of not having a trained driver available to run that train, which if the train is due to swap drivers’ mid route could be a tricky situation! Or you wait too long from starting training and then operating the new trains that you risk knowledge fade and drivers requiring refresher courses and lease costs for trains not in service.
• What is trained, the content of the course is bespoke to the new train & potentially route, so needs developing for each new train and agreeing with the trade unions

New Recruits:

Often the introduction of new trains is linked to a new route being operated or a timetable uplift, both of which usually mean a higher establishment of drivers is required.

The basic training of a new driver various by TOC but is broadly between 9-12 months then add onto that the time taken to recruit a new driver, which is a rigorous process of; interview, tests and medicals the lead time and planning required is closer to 2yrs.

General Training:

Drivers aren’t the only staff on the railway that require stock specific training you have maintainers, technicians, controllers, cleaners, dispatchers, train crew & emergency services just to name a few.

Training is such a major part of any new train introduction if it’s not carefully planned, managed and executed it can be the root cause or contributor to programme delays, service disruption, huge costs or TU disputes.

I hope this gives you some insight of the work and planning that goes into the training element of a new train introduction.

Charlotte Hughes

Associate Director – Rolling Stock

CPC Systems