Train operating companies

Jeffcott, S., Pidgeon, N., Weyman, A., Walls, J. (2006). Risk, trust and safety culture in U.K. train operating companies. Risk Analysis, 26(5), 1105-1121. 

The safety case is regarded as an increasingly important audit tool and of greater potential value than off-the-shelf safety audit schemes. Local managers are expected to undertake regular safety audits and are externally audited every three years. Railtrack s safety case is audited by its own auditors and also by the Railway Inspectorate, who assess Railtrack s procedures for auditing the train operating companies compliance with their safety cases (HSE, 1997 13 ff.). 

The Southall Inquiry reached a similar conclusion, attributing primary blame to one of the train drivers and secondary blame to the train operating company and to Railtrack for various failures (2000 88). The whole issue of accident investigation has been subject to difficulties as there has been increasing pressure to invoke the criminal law. It seems that the public is looking for more scapegoats, looking for someone to blame and prosecute. 

This additional report commissioned by the Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern that the safety and standards directorate of Railtrack was insufficiently distinct from the company s commercial interests and it recommended separation of the safety departments from commercial interests in the company (HSE, 2000c). This report was also critical of accountability in the new system and recommended that HSE should oversee Railtrack s safety operations much more rigorously and should take a much more active role in checking Railtrack s audits of network users. But beyond this it also recommended that HSE should take over some of the safety responsibilities currently held by Railtrack, in particular its responsibilities for accepting and auditing the safety cases of one group of network users, namely the train operating companies. 

The SRM relates to the systemwide risk on NRCI covering all running lines, rolling stock types, locations and stations currently in use. Version 3 of the SRM, does not cover the non-NRCI related risk associated with yards, sidings, depots and station car parks. Risk profiles for specific lines of route and train operating companies, are not available currently within the SRM. 

Similar Government regulation requires the Train Operating Companies to replace some categories of older rolling stock ( unmodified Mark T), also at a cost much higher than would be justified by the agreed VPF. 

Starting salaries are typically 24k- 25k for new graduates entering train operating companies or Network Rail. The range is wider in design and manufacturing companies, typically 22k- 27k. 

Some work experience in the sector can be useful, but is by no means essential. Some train operating companies and manufactirrets offer work placements and surmner internships, the latter ustrally open to those in their penultimate year at university. For companies that don t offer formal work experience, a speculative approach can be worthwhile. Railway Technology website hosts a comprehensive online directory of companies in the industry, and a list of train operating companies and freight operating companies is available on the Network Rail website. 

The web interface allows users of the GeoSRM in train operating companies or infrastructure... 

However there are a number of other key customers including the Train Operating Companies and the Freight Operating Companies, as well as a wide range of smaller contracts vwth other customers. In addition there remains a significant level of trading between the Infrastructure Units, more especially between the IMU and TRU companies. 

Railtest is by definition a train operating company and in common with other train operators requires a Railway Safety Case. This has been applied for but at the time of writing has not been obtained from Railtrack. In addition to this Railtest requires a Operating Licence and now that it has been incorporated application has been made to the office of the Rail Regulator for such a licence and is expected to be available around the end of December 1995. 

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