A grand day out behind the wheel
I cannot stress how valuable it was to use TPE’s train simulator, and I encourage colleagues to seize any opportunity they have to try it, says Network Rail’s Sue Johnson.
On 20 February 2025, Fiona Moore and I visited the TransPennine Express (TPE) depot at Ardwick to meet Yasar Pazarlioglu, the company’s simulation and technology manager. He had contacted us to discuss the new arrangements for failed trains that came in last year, and how this was being managed in practice. We met Yasar at Manchester Victoria for a coffee, then went on to the depot. When we arrived, the sim suite was in use, Dean, the driver assessor, putting a driver through their paces.
Dean explained how the simulator worked and how many training hours drivers go through. The assessor was completely separated from the driver, so the driver was experiencing what it’s like in a train cab. TPE has many automatic simulations, with the assessor only making/receiving phone calls as ‘another person’.
Once Dean was done, we could use it. Of course, I heroically got Fiona to go first. I think she may have missed her calling, because seemed a natural at driving trains. I was in the driver assistant seat as Fiona drove the train through fog and then snow. Even as an observer, it was apparent how signalling looks to a train driver and the challenges they face. Then I took the controls, having had the advantage of watching Fiona. I am by nature someone who likes to watch something being demonstrated and having chance to reflect before having a try myself, so doing this fitted well with my learning style.
TPE is keen to work alongside Network Rail to make sure we have a good communications contract agreed between driver and signaller. TPE is also open to visiting signal boxes and for us to arrange a visit to the TPE simulator for signallers. From my experience, our staff would gain a lot from seeing the drivers’ perspective. Maybe some joint non-technical skills sessions would be a great development opportunity. While release from duty and availability will be a challenge, this is well worth exploring.
I have worked on the railway for more than 30 years, and a couple of cab rides and experience as a pilot gives only a limited idea of what operating a train is like. I now look at each scenario we consider in the training room through a different lens.
Simulators aren’t just tools for assessment or reflection; they can be core enablers of proactive, adaptive learning. They allow us to build a learning culture that’s accessible, personalised, and better aligned with how people learn today. In my experience, simulation isn’t just helpful; it's transformative. It allows a company to address harder-to-assess competencies and gave better insights into how drivers might perform under stress or during degraded scenarios.