TfL Ref: 1379-1718

Thank you for your email received by us on 7 September 2017 asking for information about the training manuals used by train drivers to operate rail services.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:

documentation given to train drivers when they are being trained in driving trains and reading signals

I am interested in how your trains operate the how the drivers drive the trains and read signals

The information requested is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information, under Section 38(1)(b) of the Act. In this instance the exemption has been applied as disclosure of the information requested would be likely to adversely affect the safety and security of TfL employees and members of the general public.

Although we in no way suggest that you would use this information for anything other than your own personal interests, disclosure of this document under the FOI Act would be regarded as a disclosure to ‘the public at large’. This information could potentially be obtained and utilised by individuals who may wish to use this detailed level technical information to cause disruption or harm to our rail services. Additionally disclosure of information which could compromise security and safety preparedness of our rail networks, which would place members of the public and TfL staff at risk by highlighting areas on the network which could be susceptible to being targeted.

The use of this exemption is subject to an assessment of the public interest in relation to the disclosure of the information concerned. TfL recognises the need for openness and transparency by public authorities, but in this instance the public interest in applying the exemption, in order to minimise risks to operational resilience, safe operation of the London Underground network, the welfare of staff and members of the general public, outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

However, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) website publishes a series of Rule Book modules which are used by mainline train drivers as part of their training that may be of interest to you. They can be viewed via the following links to their website:

https://www.rssb.co.uk/rgs/rulebooks/GERM8000-master-module%20Iss%202.pdf

https://www.rssb.co.uk/standards-and-the-rail-industry/standards-explained/national-operations-publications

Additionally, London Underground uses a number of different signalling systems and the manner in which the trains are operated varies according to the signalling system installed. The table below provides a summary of each signalling system and the train operating mode(s) used:

Lines Signalling System Train Operating Mode(s)
Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Piccadilly, Waterloo & City ‘Conventional’ colour light signals, enforced by trainstops/tripcocks Manually driven to lineside colour light signals.
Central Westinghouse (now Siemens) Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Automatic Train Protection(ATP) ATO (Automatic Train Operation) is the normal mode of operation, with the driver opening and closing the doors and pressing the ‘start’ buttons – the train then drives itself to the next station.

The train can be driven manually in full speed mode if ATO fails. A ‘target speed’ is shown on the speedometer in the cab – this shows the maximum speed permitted in the next block (identified by trackside ‘block marker boards’); some trackside colour light signals are also provided.

If the ATP (Automatic Train Protection) functionality also fails, the train can be driven manually at an enforced slow speed (max. 10mph) as instructed by Service Control.
Jubilee, Northern Thales SelTrac (inductive loop) ATO is the normal mode of operation, with the driver opening and closing the doors and pressing the ‘start’ buttons – the train then drives itself to the next station.

The train can be driven manually in full speed mode if ATO fails. An in-cab signalling display, known as the TOD – Train Operator Display - as shown in the Jubilee Line and Northern Line – (JL& NL TOD) Powerpoint attachments, provides information on how fast and how far to drive. No line-side signals are provided.

If the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) functionality also fails, the train can be driven manually at enforced slow speed (max. 10mph) as instructed by Service Control. Lineside signs are also provided for use when in this mode.
Victoria Siemens Distance-To-Go Radio (DTG-R) ATO (Automatic Train Operation) is the normal mode of operation, with the driver opening and closing the doors and pressing the ‘start’ buttons – the train then drives itself to the next station.

The train can be driven manually in full speed mode if ATO fails. Trackside block marker boards and colour light signals are also provided.

If the ATP functionality also fails, the train can be driven manually at enforced slow speed (max. 10mph) as instructed by Service Control.
4LM; 4 Lines Modernisation; Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan – currently being modernised Thales SelTrac (radio) This signalling system is not yet fully installed; it is due to be completed in 2022.

ATO will be the normal mode of operation, with the driver opening and closing the doors and pressing the ‘start’ buttons – the train will then drive itself to the next station.

The train can be driven manually in full speed mode if ATO fails. An in-cab signalling display, known as the SID – Signalling Information Display – see 4 Lines Modernisation attachment (4LM extracts.pptx) provides information on how fast and how far to drive. No line-side signals are provided.

If the ATP functionality also fails, the train can be driven manually at enforced slow speed (max. 10mph) as instructed by Service Control. Lineside signs are also provided for use when in this mode (see examples in 4LM extracts.pptx).

If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.

Yours sincerely

Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London