You Simply Cannot Produce Drivers Out of Thin Air

We can be seen as a pretty odd bunch! So says Chris Boyce, General Manager of SmoothtraxGroup Limited, Train Driving Procurement Services

Because we understand a Train Drivers psyche, recognising their background experiences are very important factors to consider when talking and trying to understand why and what they are looking for in a change in his or her career. The work – life balance is obviously a key factor in making any change but as far as the job is concerned, Drivers are a very proud bunch of individuals always trying to maintain their timings, constantly making adjustments to their style of driving whilst adapting to ever changing factors such the train performance, rail head conditions and the variables of the weather over routes that they may be familiar with for many years, but can make moving to another company and needing to learn new routes and traction, a huge challenge and make one feel like it’s day one on the railway.

After a long period of driving these same routes and traction, one can sometimes become uncomfortable, even bored – by noticing that they may not be reacting quickly enough in responding to sudden changes in a situation developing ahead or perhaps, reacting slowly on entering heavy traffic or signalling areas known to be of high risk. Most often these things can be put down to fatigue but in some cases, familiarity can sometimes have catastrophic consequences. The old adage ‘a change is as good as a rest’ could not be more appropriate for many Drivers at some point in their career.

SmoothtraxGroup are a small team who well understand how these developments evolve. Working well together allows us to be able to communicate effectively and also with our clients and potential candidates making the hiring of new team members, a smooth deployment for both parties. One of our key strengths, is to help Drivers and Driver Managers seek opportunities with other companies… particularly with individuals approaching their final years who want to try something different before they choose to retire or may just want to change their working pattern or environment. They may like to continue working with one of the established companies or even choose a move to a new company, maybe on a part – time basis, either continuing to drive or by taking on a managerial role. It may be possible to work in a hybrid working situation. Our links and associations in various parts of England, Scotland and Wales allow us to seek and discuss an individual’s goals and aspirations.

For new companies entering the production side of operations, you will find that SmoothtraxGroup have a pool of Drivers and Managers looking for a new challenge. Our candidates are all recommended for their driving record or managerial experience and know how to help establish a company and its service’s enabling our client to be assured of being introduced to the most adaptable of Drivers and Managers available. We believe we can cut down on the time it will take a company in its procurement process by only presenting a company with well researched candidates.

We have also been able to recommend types of Drivers to suit the work commitments required as well as promoting good practice of employment or by making recommendations on rostering and final contracts, which of course, is essential when talking to established, Qualified Drivers and asking them to consider a move to a particular company. For all companies, it is essential to seek Drivers and Driver Managers who are willing to be flexible (particularly in the case of startup companies) and who are prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ when required to help a company to establish a foothold in their operational arena. With companies evolving and modernising, more efficient use of electronic tools and devices for Drivers and Managers have now become standard, everyday requirements. Staff working with company mobile devices and tablets provide them with up to the minute information whether it’s use is in the office or out on the track.

Company and safety briefs can be delivered in a more precise format allowing staff to engage with the briefing and allows a chosen time to suit the individual to view. In our experience, employees generally embrace technology in the industry. For startups, you need a smooth start and transition from desktop workings to actual service operation, so you need to hire the relevant experienced personnel for the type of work you are planning to provide.

Looking ahead – HS2 will be a huge challenge simply because we believe, many Drivers will wish to be part of this new, super-fast railway, but what should the minimum experience requirements be? How many Qualified Drivers will be required to undertake the initial testing of the trains and the High-Speed Railway itself, or to start up the beginning of passenger services proper? Will Trainee Drivers be engaged from the outset – if so, how many? These are all big discussions to be held in the near future and if possible, SmoothtraxGroup will want to be included in those discussions.

In addition to our train crew procurement and consultancy services, SmoothtraxGroup have, until recently, been broadcasting an Internet radio station for nearly 20 years and in that time have developed many links to recording artists, producers and record labels which has led us to have an interest in onboard communications and entertainment content making us well placed to provide these services not only in the UK but the US as well.

We have established links to licensing of published content and have been following various High-Speed Rail projects for several years now, most notably the California HighSpeed Rail project which is now moving forward at some pace. Through many years’ experience, and working on many types of railway, one thing is always noticeable and that is when trains break down or are delayed for a period of time, for whatever reason, nearly always passengers relay the fact that they were not given enough information on the situation.

This has been well reported on some European services over the years – in some cases the information provided has been said to be zero. SmoothtraxGroup are developing an idea that will overcome this situation once and for all. It won’t help to get trains on the move, but passengers will at least, have up to date information at all times during the ‘event’.

Other Rail projects we currently have an active interest in, include train crew procurement for a maintenance company, several possible new passenger service operators and a potentially new freight operator. Helping them all to develop strategies and assisting to bring about a procurement package that is lasting in terms of keeping staff on the pay roll and keeping them happy, loyal, focussed and engaged. Most importantly we will help to provide the right staff to enable an organisations successful start and ongoing development.

For a further insight into our services please get in touch via the contact information.

Chris Boyce is General Manager of SmoothtraxGroup Limited, Train Driving Procurement Services. An ex-Driver with 40 years driving experience on various Loco hauled freight, passenger and High-Speed domestic and international Services on Diesel Electric, Diesel Hydraulic, DC and AC Electric traction.

Tel: 07941 458180

Email: contact@smoothtraxgroup.co.uk

Visit: SmoothtraxGroup.co.uk

Address: SmoothtraxGroup Limited Kemp House, 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX