Route knowledge is one of the core skills together with train handling and a full understanding of railway rules, which operating crew must possess in order to be able to drive a train safely.
Content
Information that must be learnt and understood includes the following:
Train protection systems: commencement and termination points of the infrastructure elements of systems.
Train radio systems: commencement and termination points of the infrastructure elements of train radio systems. Where relevant to the operation, this should include the location of channel change locations.
Lineside signage: location and meaning of all lineside signs applicable to the safe operation of trains, for example fire zones, power shut-off boards, etc.
Permitted speed: permitted train and line speed restrictions for all normal and degraded conditions.
Level crossings: the location of level crossings, including open crossings and those equipped with automatic half-barriers and miniature red/green lights. Relevant speed restrictions for level crossings, including any special working arrangements for degraded situations.
Braking points and stopping distances: braking points and stopping distances in relation to characteristics of the route and the types of train to be driven.
Stations: train stopping points, platform lengths, methods of train despatch and operating restrictions.
Power supplies: as applicable, knowledge of neutral sections/section gaps, wired/unwired sections of route, track paralleling huts, isolation procedures.
Communication: systems in operation and relevant contact numbers for signallers/dispatchers, Zone Controls, and Emergency Control Centres etc.
Operating restrictions: for example, use of signal post telephones, restrictions on route availability.
Local working instructions for locations where non-standard procedures are in place.
Authorised walking routes: knowledge applicable to all locations where crew must walk close to train movements.
Where there is a risk that a signal may be "passed at danger"">Signal passed at danger">"passed at danger"
Signals which have been passed at danger on several occasions, with a particular focus on those where the potential consequences are significant.
Signal gantries where there is history of a signal passed at danger or there is a potential to misread signals.
Signals that can be viewed in advance of the next signal, this is a particular risk with modern ultra-bright LED signals.
Signals that are known to sometimes be affected by bright sunlight.
Signals which are positioned on the opposite side of the runningline in the direction of travel.
Locations where there are inconsistent braking distances between signals.
Locations where the signalling changes between 4 aspect, 3 aspect and 2 aspect color light.
Locations or routes where there is a mixture of color light and mechanical signalling.
Commencement and termination points of bi-directional working.
Locations where the signal is not in view where there is a potential for starting against the signal at danger.
Locations where the normal stopping point is adjacent to the signal and there is a potential for starting against the signal at danger.
Locations where starting on a caution signal has led to a driver/engineer inadvertently passing the next signal at danger.
Potential distractions such as passing through an electrical neutral section on the approach to a signal.
