Do train drivers actually drive trains ?

Question

Does my morning train driver actually operate the train, or is it controlled by a centralised computer like the Tube ?

I know they have a handle they release in case of emergency, and operate doors, etc ...

But do they actually govern speed, etc ....

Answer 1

Yes, they do. They have to brake, accelerate, stop, start etc. They have to obey the signals and speed limits, watch for obstructions etc., just like a car driver.

As far as I know, the only driverless trains in the UK are on the Docklands Light Railway.

Answer 2

I know it sounds simple, but driving a train is pretty complicated. Passenger trains, because they are small and light, are easier to handle, but it's still demanding because you have so many lives depending on you. Freight trains are tougher to handle, especially on tracks that are hilly. The problem with them is this: your average rail car can only withstand so much pulling force (about 130 tons) before it will break apart, and most freight trains weigh much more than this. So, you need to handle the train carefully, applying power and braking forces to the train gently and evenly, or the train will either jump the tracks or break the train cars in half. For this reason, a train engineer can only drive a train on tracks that he/she has memorized, and has to be constantly planning ahead to make sure that the train will be under control at all times. Add to this the fact that you have to pay attention to your traffic signals at all times, and communicate with dispatchers and other trains, and it can be quite a handful. Forget about having to memorize how the engine works, and what to do if something fails en route. So, the whole thing about "1 lever to go, 3 levers to stop, one lever for the horn, and a bell button" is really only scratching the surface. There are no foot pedals, except for some engines that have a floor button for the alerter or an extra horn button.

Answer 3

It depends on where you are in the world. There are some automated system, but they are not the everyday situation for most trains. Certainly here in Melbourne, Australia trains are driven by a driver, and it takes 18 months of training to be qualified on the suburban network.
HooRoo
Rebecca
Train Driver.

Answer 4

Yes they do govern speed. They are given different signals etc and have to adjust speed. I was on an engine with an engineer. You have a lot of things to monitor as you drive. You have to get up to a certain speed etc when you start.. There are lots of things to know but once you get the hang of it, its very easy and enjoyable!

Answer 5

Yes. And they are called Engineers, not drivers. They take their orders from the central switching station, but you have to have somebody who controls the engine in the event there is something on the tracks that would interfere with the operation of the train or cause an accident.

Answer 6

train drivers will be given training in operating engine and following signals etc.,

Answer 7

The railway in London I can not remember what it is called has no drivers it is automatic

Answer 8

yes, but not for much longer