Tasks, skills, and competencies of future high speed train drivers

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the roles and tasks of a Train driver, who operates a highly automated high-speed passenger train, as well as the job requirements in terms of personnel selection criteria. To this end, two studies – a prospective task analysis and a prospective job analysis based on Fleishman – were conducted with two samples of experienced highspeed train drivers from Germany. The results show that cognitive information acquisition and continuous Monitoring tasks require mental persistence and sustained attention, thus converting the train driver into a train operator. It is proposed that the future tasks and working conditions should be designed to strengthen the train operators’ share in tasks of information integration, strategizing, and decision-making. Thus, the detrimental effects of continuous Monitoring tasks, which are well established across transportation industry domains, could be alleviated.