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 high-speed 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.