One-person TFR trains

[John Ashworth]

ONE-PERSON TFR TRAINS

On July 31, 2012 Railways Africa

According to unconfirmed reports, Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) is considering operating certain trains staffed by the driver only, instead of the present arrangement in terms of which there is always an assistant driver as well. The unions Utatu and Sarwhu say they are concerned about several implications, one being the fact that footplate staff gain valuable training in the capacity of assistants, by accompanying experienced personnel in trains out on the line. It is understood that work teams have been set up to examine the concept.