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Post by whistlekiller2000 on Apr 22, 2020 16:59:16 GMT
Given the trend to walk through trains 1) is impractical and how would you be at a safe distance from passengers? The bar isolating the guard from passengers could easily have been moved back to the first set of double doors giving protection from onboard passengers, isolating from passengers on the platform would be a different issue however.  |
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Post by rsdworker on Apr 22, 2020 17:16:26 GMT
simllar that used in newcastle metro which has half cab so in training mode in service with passegners would see front part closed off
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Post by aslefshrugged on Apr 22, 2020 17:48:28 GMT
There was an email in my inbox today which said that TfL had been advised to furlough staff by the government "to help protect our finances" and "if you have been furloughed it’s because your work has stopped for the short-term”.
I have heard that the only TMs and TOps who will be furloughed are those on long term sick or working with existing health issues but I've not been able to confirm this.
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Post by whistlekiller2000 on Apr 22, 2020 17:57:40 GMT
I've merged some posts concerning Coronavirus effects on the DLR into this one and deleted the original thread. Once again, please note, this is the ONLY permissible thread to discuss COVID effects on the network. 
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
Posts: 1,769
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Post by North End on Apr 22, 2020 20:20:40 GMT
Timetables now deferred for at least a week. I don’t think this should be coming as a surprise to anyone, let’s hope LU can now make a serious attempt to work with stakeholders and come up with something more viable. Everyone *wants* this to succeed, there need to be the right attitudes in order to achieve that.
Notwithstanding the social distancing issues, there remains a feeling that there still aren’t enough staff. There are still large numbers of staff off in many locations, although it’s fair to say that in the places I’m familiar with there’s been a slight tailing off in the numbers going off with symptoms. Let’s hope that’s a positive sign that things are starting to tentatively move towards the right course.
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Post by aslefshrugged on Apr 22, 2020 22:31:49 GMT
Timetables now deferred for at least a week. I don’t think this should be coming as a surprise to anyone, let’s hope LU can now make a serious attempt to work with stakeholders and come up with something more viable. Everyone *wants* this to succeed, there need to be the right attitudes in order to achieve that. Notwithstanding the social distancing issues, there remains a feeling that there still aren’t enough staff. There are still large numbers of staff off in many locations, although it’s fair to say that in the places I’m familiar with there’s been a slight tailing off in the numbers going off with symptoms. Let’s hope that’s a positive sign that things are starting to tentatively move towards the right course. After 22 years working for the Tube... Two Hopes and one of them is Bob |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
Posts: 1,769
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Post by North End on Apr 23, 2020 0:05:23 GMT
Timetables now deferred for at least a week. I don’t think this should be coming as a surprise to anyone, let’s hope LU can now make a serious attempt to work with stakeholders and come up with something more viable. Everyone *wants* this to succeed, there need to be the right attitudes in order to achieve that. Notwithstanding the social distancing issues, there remains a feeling that there still aren’t enough staff. There are still large numbers of staff off in many locations, although it’s fair to say that in the places I’m familiar with there’s been a slight tailing off in the numbers going off with symptoms. Let’s hope that’s a positive sign that things are starting to tentatively move towards the right course. After 22 years working for the Tube... Two Hopes and one of them is Bob Yes I’m not holding my breath. |
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 23, 2020 13:05:48 GMT
Timetables now deferred for at least a week. I don’t think this should be coming as a surprise to anyone, let’s hope LU can now make a serious attempt to work with stakeholders and come up with something more viable. Everyone *wants* this to succeed, there need to be the right attitudes in order to achieve that. Notwithstanding the social distancing issues, there remains a feeling that there still aren’t enough staff. There are still large numbers of staff off in many locations, although it’s fair to say that in the places I’m familiar with there’s been a slight tailing off in the numbers going off with symptoms. Let’s hope that’s a positive sign that things are starting to tentatively move towards the right course. I'm told that although the timetables have been deferred for a week, the duty times as per the new schedules will come into force. Whether that saves LU senior management from being accused of complete capitulation I'm not sure. Maybe someone somewhere will look at the complete mess they've made of this and suggest a new way forward. We have a new MD that seems to be well on the ball. Hopefully he's watching carefully and will make his move. |
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 23, 2020 13:25:21 GMT
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Post by sawb on Apr 23, 2020 13:51:14 GMT
This link reads as if the RMT are preparing for balloting of members, but I thought I read somewhere in this thread there was no way to ballot members due to the company used having closed? |
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Post by goldenarrow on Apr 23, 2020 14:23:30 GMT
This link reads as if the RMT are preparing for balloting of members, but I thought I read somewhere in this thread there was no way to ballot members due to the company used having closed? It is still possible in theory to arbitrate industrial disputes even if ACAS has been conveniently mothballed as some see it during this crisis. The issue that is standing out to me is the fact that law in this country is set on precedent and not circumstance. Some of the unions serving workers in the healthcare sector are not too far away from the RMT's sentiments with regards to the steamrolling of long established procedures for changing working guidelines. Legitimizing industrial action at this time may prove difficult, but launching a legal challenge for gross negligence at a time when the workforce was inadvertently put at further risk due to an unscrutinized change of working procedures does have legal precedent. |
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Post by philthetube on Apr 23, 2020 14:36:49 GMT
Reading this letter there is no mention of strike action, just telling members to stick to social distancing and when this is not possible to follow health and safety law and put themselves in a safe place until it is possible to keep the 2m required. |
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Post by aslefshrugged on Apr 23, 2020 17:07:02 GMT
A letter dated today from Nick Dent, LU Director of Line Operations to ASLEF's Terry Wilkinson confirms that:-
"operator the timetables"?
This is the level of management we have to deal with, they can't even proof-read their letters...
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 23, 2020 18:30:43 GMT
A letter dated today from Nick Dent, LU Director of Line Operations to ASLEF's Terry Wilkinson confirms that:- "operator the timetables"? This is the level of management we have to deal with, they can't even proof-read their letters... Must be the same proof reader they use for the rule books! So the schedules come in but we're not running the timetable. Not sure they could make a bigger pigs ear of this if they tried. I'm sure at our depot we will continue to check the day before what time they want us in and what we'll be doing. It has worked well for weeks albeit gives the Trains Managers a little extra to do. |
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Post by spsmiler on Apr 23, 2020 20:23:58 GMT
I was passing Gants Hill station today (driving - on my way home from shopping) and noted new large signs above all entrances reminding people that they are not supposed to be travelling. As I was driving I could not get a photo but I will try when next out, mostly likely this will be within a few days as part of what is supposed to be 'daily' exercise (going for a walk), although I'm often too busy to do this every day. As an aside, for those who do not know this station, it is located in the middle circle of a busy traffic roundabout and therefore does not have a street entrance - instead the ticket hall is off the subterranean passages used by pedestrians who wish to cross the roads and avoid the traffic. Its taken me almost a week but finally I have some photos...   I only checked some of the street entrances to the subterranean passageways that also lead to the station entrance but from what I could see these were only at entrances which have steps (as seen here) - many of the entrances have been rebuilt with ramps to make them accessible. Some have also been closed, over the years. On the topic of people using the trains when they should be staying at home, I understand that since the buses became free there has been a surge increase in the number of passengers travelling by bus. Could it be that some / many of these are people who have transferred from the railways - where fares are still being charged? |
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Post by goldenarrow on Apr 23, 2020 20:34:19 GMT
On the topic of people using the trains when they should be staying at home, I understand that since the buses became free there has been a surge increase in the number of passengers travelling by bus. Could it be that some / many of these are people who have transferred from the railways - where fares are still being charged? Potentially, but I can guarantee others who have been working in transport can instantly tell when someone isn't supposed to be travelling and since Monday, I can safely say the percentage of such dissidents has been on a conseringly upward trajectory. I'm currently planning alternative travel arrangements for colleagues who have no option but to use TfL bus routes, the current situation is stressful enough, let alone with goons sabotaging social distancing on public transport endangering those who genuinely need/have no choice but to travel by bus. |
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Post by spsmiler on Apr 23, 2020 20:40:49 GMT
This tweet intrigued me... train service increases from 18th May? I hope that LU (and other transport operators) have enough healthy staff for this!
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Post by jimbo on Apr 24, 2020 1:53:57 GMT
Just wondering, with many depots working shuttles over only part of their line, how long before drivers run out of route knowledge and will require refresher training?
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gantshill
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Posts: 1,371
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Post by gantshill on Apr 24, 2020 7:07:11 GMT
Just wondering, with many depots working shuttles over only part of their line, how long before drivers run out of route knowledge and will require refresher training? I was wondering something similar about rusty-rail moves including the Watford north curve and Overground trips to Battersea Park etc.. |
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Post by chris11256 on Apr 24, 2020 7:25:39 GMT
This tweet intrigued me... train service increases from 18th May? I hope that LU (and other transport operators) have enough healthy staff for this! This confirms something that Robert Peston first mentioned a few days ago following a TSSA letter to Network rail about plans to ramp up services at that time. Without speculating it would potentially match with any easing of restrictions after the next lockdown review. |
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 24, 2020 10:25:25 GMT
Just wondering, with many depots working shuttles over only part of their line, how long before drivers run out of route knowledge and will require refresher training? Usually if we haven't been over a section of the line in 6 months (main line, sidings, depots), then this is an issue as part of our competence standards. I'm not sure we will have an issue especially with the impending timetable changes but we do have the option of having a competent and licensed "pilot" with us, watching a DVD of the route, some sort of computer based training, looking at diagrams of points and signals, a general discussion or observation. It is the Train Operator's responsibility to maintain their route knowledge. |
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Chris M
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Post by Chris M on Apr 24, 2020 10:41:29 GMT
Are there any aspects of station infrastructure (e.g. lifts, escalators, etc) that will need to be inspected after extended periods out of use due to station closures? If so and these cannot be done by station staff is this going to be an issue?
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 24, 2020 10:44:19 GMT
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Post by MoreToJack on Apr 24, 2020 12:23:11 GMT
Met line timetable to change again from Monday. Watford and Uxbridge services to remain the same, but Amersham and Chesham trains will now be extended through to Baker Street, semi-fast (calling all stations BST-HAR, fast to MPK, then all stations), all day.
Two additional trains are also available to run as required in both peaks between Aldgate and Harrow only.
I believe amendments are also planned for the C&H, but I have not been advised of these yet.
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Post by MoreToJack on Apr 24, 2020 12:26:22 GMT
Are there any aspects of station infrastructure (e.g. lifts, escalators, etc) that will need to be inspected after extended periods out of use due to station closures? If so and these cannot be done by station staff is this going to be an issue? Most closed stations have been having some kind of regular inspection, including the operation of assets, throughout the period. Many have had Supervisors on site throughout, but without the requisite minimum numbers to allow trains to stop. I believe the biggest singular issue for re-opening is the Waterloo & City kind, and assurance of the signalling system. Nothing that’s insurmountable (I believe it was being discussed from the same time as plans were made to close it). |
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Post by brigham on Apr 24, 2020 16:17:37 GMT
Are other cities in a similar situation to London also trying to increase service frequency whilst telling people 'not to travel'?
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Post by d7666 on Apr 24, 2020 20:12:06 GMT
Ask a silly question..... the stations that are closed at the moment, are they all / some / none available as emergency detraining and evacuation points ? How is this managed (although obviously if the answer is 'none' it is irrelavent) ?
--
Nick
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
Posts: 1,769
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Post by North End on Apr 24, 2020 23:43:47 GMT
Ask a silly question..... the stations that are closed at the moment, are they all / some / none available as emergency detraining and evacuation points ? How is this managed (although obviously if the answer is 'none' it is irrelavent) ? -- Nick Certainly for my area it’s on the handover that all the closed stations are not available for detrainment. Generally if there’s no staff on site then the station will be securely locked up (I’m not going to post details of how this is done), which would preclude use for evacuation even in a quite extreme emergency. |
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Post by PiccNT on Apr 25, 2020 0:54:02 GMT
Met line timetable to change again from Monday. Watford and Uxbridge services to remain the same, but Amersham and Chesham trains will now be extended through to Baker Street, semi-fast (calling all stations BST-HAR, fast to MPK, then all stations), all day. Two additional trains are also available to run as required in both peaks between Aldgate and Harrow only. I believe amendments are also planned for the C&H, but I have not been advised of these yet. We are running as we have been for the past few weeks. We'll call in the day before to arrange what we're doing the following day. In my case, I take the same train every evening and book on at about 21:30. Oh well, we nearly had a new timetable but no surprise that the plan fell apart. |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
Posts: 1,769
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Post by North End on Apr 25, 2020 1:19:58 GMT
Met line timetable to change again from Monday. Watford and Uxbridge services to remain the same, but Amersham and Chesham trains will now be extended through to Baker Street, semi-fast (calling all stations BST-HAR, fast to MPK, then all stations), all day. Two additional trains are also available to run as required in both peaks between Aldgate and Harrow only. I believe amendments are also planned for the C&H, but I have not been advised of these yet. We are running as we have been for the past few weeks. We'll call in the day before to arrange what we're doing the following day. In my case, I take the same train every evening and book on at about 21:30. Oh well, we nearly had a new timetable but no surprise that the plan fell apart. On the Northern we have the slightly bizarre situation that although a rough basis for the special service has kind of naturally formed, there’s nothing formal in place. So every week when a new batch of night service control and train crew managers start a week of nights a painful cycle starts again of essentially starting from a clean sheet with how the special is brought in at the start of the day and taken out at the end. It’s incredible really that four weeks in there’s still no clarity over things like last trains. This is an example of the skills and experience vacuum that exists within LU. There’s specialist skills and experience in certain grades, like in train crew management, service control, duty schedules et cetera, but precious little in some of the other grades which should be joining everything together. From a practical point of view this is manifesting itself in ER issues at certain locations as whilst some depots are doing social distancing well, others can’t because the service is being devised on the back of a proverbial fag packet each day, making it hard to plan. After a month or so things should be further forward than this across the board, not just in some locations. Another manifestation is the farce over the timetable notices, it’s rather unfortunate that at such an important time LU couldn’t get a simple thing right first time. |
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