Southern Flashcards
(22 cards)
How many staff members does southern employ
Approximately 4000
How many stations does Southern operate in?
156
How many trains do Southern have
Around 300
What are the two main London Stations?
Victoria and London Bridge
What does GTR stand for?
Govia Thameslink
What are the 4 TOC’s under the GTR umbrella
Southern
Gatwick Express
Thameslink
Great Northern
How much money is being invested into station improvements
Around Seven Million Pounds
What do you know about southern railway as an organisation?
Southern raliway operates under the parent company Govia Thameslink Railway, alongside Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern.
Southern Railway employs around 4000 people, servicing 156/7 stations with 2322 daily trains connecting London to Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire. It’s two main stations are London Victoria and London Bridge, but you also service Gatwick and Clapham Junction.
You have around 300 trains, and pride yourslf on customer service and community engagement, through charities such as Mind, the Samaritans with annual ‘Have a Brew Monday’’ campaigns and the Railway Children, and supporting young people through the Prince’s Trust ‘Get into Railway’ programme.
Tell me about the three main things you would bring to the role if successful?
Firstly, I would bring a safety focused mindset which I have developed during my time as a firefighter for the London fire brigade. I am used to following strict rules and procedures which have been designed to be risk averse, in order to protect my colleagues and members of the public.
I would provide a high quality of service to customers, but also be a good representative for the company, and represent its values proudly, and act in a professional manner at all times.
I would be punctual and reliable, knowing that the service relies on exceptionally high standards, and understanding that delays and sickness can have knock on effects.
So in summary, I would provide a safety focused mindset, provide a high level of customer service and be a reliable member of staff.
Do you think safety is important within the transport industry?
Safety is the most important aspect within the transport industry. Safety policies are in place to protect passengers, staff, and the public, and are designed to reduce risk to everyone. I understand that Southern operates in a strict industry that requires all members of staff to comply with safety policies and procedures. This is similar to my current workplace, and as a result I understand that these measures are in designed to mitigate risk and harm. Breaches in safety on the industry can have a wide spread knock on effect, so it is important to follow company policy.
Tell me about yourself?
I’m a dedicated professional with over six years of experience as a firefighter, where I’ve honed skills that I believe make me an excellent fit for the role of a train driver with Southern Railway. My career in the fire service has been centered on serving and protecting the public, often in high-pressure and challenging situations. This has developed my ability to stay calm, composed, and focused, even under intense circumstances, which I understand is critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of train operations.
My role as a firefighter has also strengthened my communication skills. Whether coordinating with my team during complex incidents or relaying clear, concise updates to our control center via radio, I’ve learned to communicate effectively in fast-paced environments. This experience translates directly to the demands of a train driver, where clear communication with control rooms and colleagues is essential.
I’m passionate about contributing to Southern Railway’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, and customer-focused services. My background has equipped me with a strong sense of responsibility, teamwork, and adaptability, all of which I’m eager to bring to this role. I’m excited about the opportunity to transition my skills into a new challenge, ensuring passengers across South East England reach their destinations safely and on time. Outside of work I enjoy keeping active by running, and going on long dog walks. This helps me to keep a healthy work-life balance, and helps to improve my concentration levels and to stay motivated to improve.
How do you feel about working shifts?
I genuinely enjoy working shifts and, if given the choice, would always prefer this over the traditional Monday to Friday, 9–5 routine. I find shift work more varied and better suited to my lifestyle, and I appreciate the flexibility it offers. While I understand that working shifts may mean missing certain events or celebrations from time to time, I believe that the opportunity to build a fulfilling career as a train driver far outweighs the occasional missed weekend football match. My current circumstances also allow me to be flexible and available to take on additional shifts when needed, which I see as a valuable way to support the team and contribute to the role.
What do you understand about the term health and safety and who is responsible for it?
Everybody is responsible for Health and safety at work. Its about staying safe and promoting good working practices.Health and safety is a the root of all decision made from TOC’s, and is the reason behind wearing correct Personal protective equipment, following rules and procedures and checking equipment and machinery is in good working condition. The safety of crew, passengers and rolling stock is absolutely paramount and a key part of the drivers role. Health and safety within the rail industry is governed by the health and safety at work act 1974 anthem management of health and safety at work regulations 1999.
Why do you want to become a train driver?
I want to become a train driver for GTR because I am passionate about delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality transport services that connect communities and enhance passengers’ daily lives. With six years of experience as a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade, I have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills that align perfectly with the demands of the GTR Driver Training programme and the role of a train driver. My background has instilled a deep commitment to safety, quick decision-making under pressure, and exceptional customer care, all of which are critical to driving trains in a safe, punctual, and economical manner.
As a firefighter, I’ve honed skills in adhering to strict safety protocols, ensuring personal and public safety in high-stakes environments, which directly translates to complying with the Network Rail Rule Book and GTR’s Professional Drivers Policy. My experience responding to emergencies has sharpened my ability to remain calm and focused, ensuring I can drive trains with due regard for punctuality and customer comfort while maintaining effective communication with passengers and colleagues, such as signalers and shunters. The teamwork required in firefighting has also equipped me to build productive working relationships, a key success criterion for this role.
I’m excited about the opportunity to undertake GTR’s rigorous training programme, leveraging my proven ability to learn and apply complex procedures, as demonstrated through regular training and assessments in the Fire Brigade. My adaptability to shift work, including weekends, aligns with the role’s requirements, as I’ve consistently reported for duty on time, fully prepared, and equipped for operational demands. Additionally, my commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct, including compliance with regulations like those concerning alcohol and drugs, mirrors the professionalism expected of a GTR train driver.
Becoming a train driver offers me the chance to apply my firefighting experience in a new context, combining my passion for public service, safety, and operational excellence. I’m eager to contribute to GTR’s mission of delivering vital rail services while continuing to grow professionally through the training programme’s assessments and competence standards.
What can you tell us about the role of a train driver?
As a train driver, my primary responsibility is to operate trains safely, efficiently, and on schedule, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo while delivering a reliable service. This involves driving passenger, freight, or commuter trains in strict compliance with railway signaling systems, speed restrictions, and operational protocols. For example, I’d follow precise rules for navigating signals, points, and track conditions to prevent incidents and maintain smooth operations.Before each journey, I’d conduct thorough pre-departure checks, inspecting critical systems like brakes, controls, and safety equipment to confirm the train is fit for service. During the trip, I’d remain highly vigilant, monitoring the track for hazards like obstructions or adverse weather, and responding swiftly to any issues, such as applying emergency braking if needed. Post-trip, I’d complete detailed logs or reports, documenting any operational irregularities or incidents to support accountability and continuous improvement.The role also involves clear communication with control centers, station staff, and onboard crew to coordinate schedules, manage delays, or handle emergencies. For instance, if a delay occurs due to a signaling issue, I’d relay accurate updates to the control room and work with staff to keep passengers informed. While direct customer interaction is limited, I’d contribute to passenger satisfaction indirectly by ensuring smooth, timely operations and addressing any operational concerns raised through staff or customer service channels.The job demands intense concentration, as shifts can be long and involve repetitive tasks, yet require constant alertness to maintain safety. It also requires strong technical knowledge of train mechanics and route-specific rules, as well as the ability to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations, like responding to a track obstruction or technical fault. Working irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, is a challenge, but I’d manage this through discipline and effective time management.
What is your sickness. Record like and can you tell us what you believe is an acceptable level of sickness?
My sickness record is excellent, during my time while working for the London fire brigade I have been sick ____ times. I do not take time off sick unless absolutely necessary, I understand that I am very lucky to be able to have a ‘dream job’. I also prode myself on my punctuality and always ensure that I am on time and ready to work.
How many people work for this TOC
Southern Railway employ approximately 4000 people, with GTR employing over 7000
How many stations does the company service
Southern Operates in 156 stations
Do you think it’s important for staff to wear a uniform?
wearing a uniform is important in many workplaces, particularly in roles that involve public interaction or safety, such as train drivers and transport staff. Uniforms help project a professional image, make staff easily identifiable, and build trust with the public. They often serve a functional purpose too, providing safety features like high-visibility elements or protective materials. Uniforms can also promote a sense of team identity and equality among staff, reducing appearance-based judgments and fostering unity. Additionally, they support security by clearly identifying authorized personnel. While uniforms may be less critical in creative or remote roles where individuality and comfort are prioritized, in public-facing and safety-critical jobs, they play a key role in maintaining professionalism, safety, and accountability.
If you were a train driver and you came across an obstacle on the track, what would you do
Safety of everyone, passengers, the train, myself is the absolute priority. I would follow procedures learned during training. I would immediately inform the control centre so that pother trains can Aldo be notified of the danger, and allow them to react appropriately. I would take no unnecessary risks
How do you keep yourself fit and why do you think it’s important for the role of a train driver?
I keep myself fit by running around 5 times a week and ensuring that I eat a balanced diet. I believe it is important for the role of a train driver for a number of reasons. Namely that excercise improves physical and mental health which in turn would support concentration and that regular exercise also promotes good sleep quality which again is imperative in order to properly drive a train.It helps me to maintain a healthy work life balance and to stay motivated. It also provides me with new challenges which I am always eager to undertake.
The role involves working unsociable hours and I understand that it can be stressful at times. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to help me learn, retain new information and to maintain concentration levels.
How do you think you’ll cope with a fatality?
I understand that there is a possibility that I will witness a fatality as a train driver. I believe that my time spent as a. Firefighter., alongside the year that I was detached to. The London ambulance service have enabled me to remain calm in emergency situations. I also understand that just because I may be able to compartmentalise such difficult circumstance, that there will almost certainly be other staff and passengers who will be affected in different ways, and that it is important to remain professional and to show empathy.
I also believe that is important to use the support services available in these situations, in order to support your own mental health and long term career.
