“It’s like pinball”: train driver preferences and experiences with in-cab technology

Abstract Modern train cabs have multiple technological systems aiming to minimise the risk of an incident. This qualitative study of train driver instructors investigated: what in-cab systems and warnings are perceived to be the most helpful for train drivers? And, what themes best describe the relationship between train driving and in-cab technology?. Five online focus groups with train driver instructors (n = 19) involved participants undertaking a two-part prioritisation exercise considering the current technologies and safety features in the train cab and ranking the three they considered to be most helpful and most unhelpful. Open discussion about the importance of the technologies in supporting safety, the driver instructors’ opinions about using the technologies, and any safety gaps followed. The safety systems considered most helpful were the AWS (Automatic Warning System), Vigilance, DRA (Driver Reminder Appliance), and TPWS (Train Protection Warning System). Three key themes were identified. “The patchwork cab”, highlights the participants’ experience of using the numerous and sometimes overlapping in function in-cab technologies; “eyes, ears, and staying aware in the cab”, highlights challenges around distraction; and “balancing alerts and silence” highlights workload dynamics and task engagement. Additions of new safety features while retaining legacy systems has resulted in a patchwork like cab design that may not effectively support the driver in their work and decision making. The management of acknowledged distractions has become normalised and is accepted rather than designed out of the cab. In-cab technology has an important role to play in safe vehicle operations as humans and machines become essential team-mates. However, saturation point has been reached for this patchwork approach to in-cab technology, and it will be a challenge to the industry to change this method and redesign systems rather than adding to them.