IRO members from the South East area recently had an opportunity to learn more about the running of a large Train Operating Company (TOC) when they visited London Midland in Birmingham on Saturday May 14.
Managing Director Mike Hodson welcomed IRO members and talked to them about the company, he also explained some of the challenges facing the TOC.
After Mike’s briefing, members split into smaller groups and toured different parts of the company.
Visits were made to the 103 year old Tyseley depot, a driver simulator used for training all LM drivers, the Integrated Control with Network Rail and Virgin trains and Snow Hill station. A new Class 172 DMU was also viewed.
SE Area Council member Jonathan Leithead said “It was a very good day. London Midland made us very welcome. We met managers at all levels and we learnt a lot about running a large TOC.
“The visit to Tyseley was particularly interesting, and we gained an understanding about the difficulties associated with running a 203 year old depot. We also saw how technology is used to bring any unit defects to the attention of staff, and had an opportunity to view a new Class 172 DMU. A workshop attended by the whole group on Operations Leadership delivered by Wallace Weatherill, the Operations and Safety Director was also greatly appreciated.
“I would like to thank everyone at London Midland for the time they spent with us. It was a very informative day, and we all now have a better understanding of how a how a large TOC works.”