Train dispatcher

As a dispatcher ( Fdl ) is called employee of a railway infrastructure company, which autonomously responsible for the admission of the train on their assigned operating units. No train may be carried out without the consent of the Dispatcher.

Task

The Dispatcher is responsible for driving services, the safe, timely and economical operation of trains on the existing infrastructure with backup and all related tasks. The basic rules is the driving regulation. He has done his work in the switchboard, in a remote control center, or in an operations center of a railway infrastructure company. A dispatcher who operates the facilities at the track when maneuvering, also points guards in this function.

The Dispatcher scheduled train services in coordination with the dispatchers that monitor in Germany of an operations center several railway lines. Is to be a train, the Dispatcher checks the path of the train for the absence of vehicles and other obstacles ride ( track test), provides, secures and sets. He then gives the driver to consent to ride in a track section of the station and / or such free range through the "GO " Imagine a main signal by replacing signals, by written order or oral ( the signal Zs 12).

Responsibilities

Depending on the design of interlocking systems, the Dispatcher is responsible for different sized parking areas. In the parking area of ​​a mechanical interlocking system or an electro-mechanical interlocking system, it is not usually possible to control more than a place of business. Only in the parking area of relay interlocking systems and electronic interlockings can be places of business set remotely set or remote control from one location. This is possible because the so-called track signaling systems support the infrastructure audit and make a local cast dispensable.

Dispatchers in Central interlocking with remote operation bodies are also referred central dispatcher. Dispatchers governing railway operations on a route with train control, train conductor hot. In general, the Dispatcher an adjacent to the railway station Zugleitstrecke assume the functions of Zugleiters with true. The Dispatcher a locally occupied block section is also called block guards ( Blw ).

In the operating headquarters of the Deutsche Bahn is called a dispatcher, which monitors a specific parking area, locally competent dispatcher ( özF ).

In future, the dispatchers should receive a tie member from the control systems through a controlling grip on the (electronic) signal box, that is, the dispatcher performs tasks of the Dispatcher in control mode. Measures in case of failure and maneuvering may continue to carry only the özF.

Training

The training for railwaymen in operational service, specializing in infrastructure, is a recognized profession by the Vocational Training Act ( Vocational Training Act) and usually takes three years. It can be reduced with particularly good performance at 2.5 years. Largest ausbildendes railway infrastructure companies this profession is in Germany, DB Netz AG, a subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn AG. But in many other railway infrastructure company training can take place. In addition, the German railway also offers a four-month training as a function dispatcher. Of these include two months use on a signal box and two months operational seminars at DB Training. Participation in the training function requires at least a vocational qualification.

Admission requirements for training are usually a good secondary school education and the existence of a medical fitness examination. Some training companies also require participation in a psychological aptitude test before hiring. In addition to accuracy, reliability and flexibility, potential candidate must have a willingness to take on great responsibility, since it is the train and shunting movements are for the safe conduct responsible and keep a cool head when deviations from normal operation and in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations appropriate to the situation appropriate measures need to take.

The training is structured like any professional training in Germany after the dual system. The technical theory provide vocational school and the operation ( for example in the form of seminars ), the practical application of the learned is practiced primarily in a signal box, under the responsibility of the on-duty dispatcher. In addition, signal box simulations can be used.

The training ends with a theoretical and a practical final exam before the competent Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Many railway infrastructure companies have difficulties in filling all training courses a year group with suitable candidates. The reason for this problem is among other things, that the apprenticeship for school leavers is largely unknown. The activity of the Dispatcher takes place more secluded and is therefore hardly noticed by the public. The job of a dispatcher is unchanged due date and in the future very much in demand by the age structure of the operating personnel and the still high number of distributed interlockings.

There are also after school and some professional experience depending on qualifications and personal suitability good development and continuing education opportunities, such as training as a specialist host for railway operation ( IHK). After successful completion of the Business Administrator has acquired for railway operations to qualify for positions as District Manager operation, route design engineer or dispatcher in an operations center.

Clothing

The term dispatcher is often associated with the "red hat " in connection that was carried into Germany before the privatization of German Federal Railways and Deutsche Reichsbahn from the inspectors. This could also be Dispatchers, but this rarely was the case and if so, then usually only in small stations on branch lines. At Deutsche Bahn is now taking the "man with the red cap " usually service tasks; in some large passenger stations it exists still as local oversight.

Use outside the web

Moreover, many organizations (eg, the St. John 's Ambulance ) there is the function name " dispatcher ". This is usually also responsible for fleet management and workforce planning as a section manager.

Also main responsible operator of Great rides in the amusement industry, such as amusement parks and fair business with rides are often referred to as a train dispatcher. This is their special expertise are emphasized, although this is by no apprenticeship.

Media presence

In late summer 2013 were available from 15 dispatchers at the Mainz Hauptbahnhof eight partly because of holidays, partly because the disease is not available. The German train was bound to the trains first night and after 12 August 2013, restrict daytime strong. There was a public discussion about the staffing situation, the Dispatcher in the interlocking systems of Deutsche Bahn. Due to the incidents was Hansjörg Hess, a board member of the DB Netz AG, relieved of his duties and the CEO of Deutsche Bahn AG Rüdiger Grube finished his own vacation early.