New train operators are seeking for sor solutions to overcome loco driver bottleneck.
One of the main problems for new train operators is finding loco drivers.
Currently, there are two main resources: TCDD staff (working or retired) and new graduates.
Since it’s not sustainable to get all loco drivers from TCDD, train operators now focused on new graduates. Currently there’s only one school authorized for courses and examination: TCDD Tasimacilik Eskisehir Course Center. But this center can hardly meet the needs of TCDD Tasimacilik, as operators complain.
A new loco drivers has to take at least 540 hours of course at class and 420 hours of driving at loco. This second part will be done at the loco of his/her company.
Train operators now tell that half of the course (the driving part) is already given by the operators, thus, train operators could be authorized to give the rest of course and to organize the examination as well .
This will provide many young new graduates to start very quickly and that will help overcoming the bottleneck.
Most probably, the proposal for organizing class courses will easily be accepted.
The authorization for exams may not be so easy. There will be a conflict of interest since it’ll be expensive for operators if “candidate” fails the examination after giving him/her this long course.
However, it must be kept in mind that the cost of an accident will be much higher for train operators, thus they should not tolerate their own staff in case of fail.
Cover Photo: Steve Hobson ©
Categories: Railway Companies
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