Revenue Protection Officer On Train Authority

[whole diary]

[Penzance-Paddington]

Good Evening all. Perhaps someone in knowledge could help me with my question. What authorities do Revenue Protection Officers have in terms of on-train management. For example, are they allowed and encourage to alter the air-conditioning or use the on-train computer? Are they allowed to deploy the ramp to assist disabled passengers on and off the train? Thank you for your isnight.

[noddingdonkey]

No, their only role is revenue protection. Any on train management is the responsibility of the train manager or conductor who might ask the revenue staff to help in certain circumstances. As far as altering the air conditioning goes it a case of 'on' or 'off' I'm afraid, and it's supposed to be 'on'!

[the void]

on-train computer?

[rogerpatenall]

on-train computer?

That would be the little 3 inch by 2 inch calculator so loved by buffet car and trolley staff

[Penzance-Paddington]

on-train computer?

http://www.trainsim.com/vbts/Attachments/up1/87583.jpg

I believe it's called a TMS.

[ChrisB]

Are any on-train staff allowed general access to this?

To clarify - not simply to read output of a screen, but access to make changes, which I asse to be the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) question

[TaplowGreen]

Are any on-train staff allowed general access to this?

To clarify - not simply to read output of a screen, but access to make changes, which I asse to be the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) question

......suspect the Unions would object - demarcation dispute! (......careful ChrisB you may pre-empting a strike ballot!!!) 

[Penzance-Paddington]

Are any on-train staff allowed general access to this?

To clarify - not simply to read output of a screen, but access to make changes, which I asse to be the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) question

I thought so because I was on a train last year and an Advance ticket passenger had paid to use Wi-Fi but he couldn't get a signal. The Revenue Protection Officer went to try and re-set the Wi-Fi for him. I thought I had heard it right.

[grahame]

Are any on-train staff allowed general access to this?

To clarify - not simply to read output of a screen, but access to make changes, which I asse to be the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) question

I thought so because I was on a train last year and an Advance ticket passenger had paid to use Wi-Fi but he couldn't get a signal. The Revenue Protection Officer went to try and re-set the Wi-Fi for him. I thought I had heard it right.

I suspect the RPI^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector, or Retail Price Index, depending on context) folks would be damned if they don't, and damned if they do [simple resets and button presses].  Scenario - the RPIs have checked the whole train and are sitting awaiting their station. Customer asks a question - that they all know is just a button press ...

I'm guessing the example scenario you've asked about isn't FGW^▸ (First Great Western) - perhaps XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) as the FGW wifi is "free" (i.e. included in the ticket price!). And there could be different rules / responsibilities there. Contracts differ between TOCS - noting that the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) are in dispute with FGW but not VEC over the IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.).  [[How many acronyms can I get in one paragraph?]]

[Penzance-Paddington]

Are any on-train staff allowed general access to this?

To clarify - not simply to read output of a screen, but access to make changes, which I asse to be the OP^▸ (Original Poster / topic starter, or Off Peak, depending on context) question

I thought so because I was on a train last year and an Advance ticket passenger had paid to use Wi-Fi but he couldn't get a signal. The Revenue Protection Officer went to try and re-set the Wi-Fi for him. I thought I had heard it right.

I suspect the RPI^▸ (Revenue Protection Inspector, or Retail Price Index, depending on context) folks would be damned if they don't, and damned if they do [simple resets and button presses].  Scenario - the RPIs have checked the whole train and are sitting awaiting their station. Customer asks a question - that they all know is just a button press ...

I'm guessing the example scenario you've asked about isn't FGW^▸ (First Great Western) - perhaps XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) as the FGW wifi is "free" (i.e. included in the ticket price!). And there could be different rules / responsibilities there. Contracts differ between TOCS - noting that the RMT^▸ (National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers) are in dispute with FGW but not VEC over the IEP^▸ (Intercity Express Program / Project. This will offer more capacity on routes, save money, give a consistent and safe service and meet customer requirements. Intended to replace HSTs.).  [[How many acronyms can I get in one paragraph?]]

The TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) was East Midlands Trains. The passenger had an Advance ticket so it was mandatory he sat in the reserved seat. There is a small charge for WiFi to Standard Class passengers on East Midlands Trains. So the RPO had to decide either to endorse is ticket to allow him to travel in another coach or to fix the WiFi.

[PhilWakely]

The TOC^▸ (Train Operating Company) was East Midlands Trains. The passenger had an Advance ticket so it was mandatory he sat in the reserved seat. There is a small charge for WiFi to Standard Class passengers on East Midlands Trains. So the RPO had to decide either to endorse is ticket to allow him to travel in another coach or to fix the WiFi.

Most TOCs that I've had dealings with for Advance Tickets have just insisted on 'travel on the specified train' rather than 'specifieid seat on the specified train' (I've not travelled with East Midlands Trains) - but I would hope that there is a third option of 'refund WiFi fee'

[Penzance-Paddington]

Most TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company) that I've had dealings with for Advance Tickets have just insisted on 'travel on the specified train' rather than 'specifieid seat on the specified train' (I've not travelled with East Midlands Trains) - but I would hope that there is a third option of 'refund WiFi fee'

I've always believed that passengers must use mandatory seat reservations if the ticket states "ONLY VALID WITH RESERVATIONS". However, I've not done my training yet so I can't say for definite. With regards to refunds for WiFi, I imagine there will be a notice on purchasing the WiFi that it is subject to WiFi signal as the train travels through the country. However if the WiFi isn't working because of a fault with the on-board equipment, I would assume consumer rights would make a passenger eligible for a refund.




Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. CfN.

[Tim]

I've always believed that passengers must use mandatory seat reservations if the ticket states "ONLY VALID WITH RESERVATIONS".

i'd be very surprised if that was the case.  Purely because a HUGE number of people do not sit in their allocated seat and I have never seen any attempt to enforce it.   

[SandTEngineer]

I've always believed that passengers must use mandatory seat reservations if the ticket states "ONLY VALID WITH RESERVATIONS".

i'd be very surprised if that was the case.  Purely because a HUGE number of people do not sit in their allocated seat and I have never seen any attempt to enforce it.   

....mmm I have.  And the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context) moved my seat reservation to the seat I was sat in (not the reserved seat)

[Penzance-Paddington]

....mmm I have.  And the TM^▸ (Train Manager, or Ticket Machine, or Temple Meads (Bristol), depending on context) moved my seat reservation to the seat I was sat in (not the reserved seat)

I note that you say the TM moved your seat reservation. Had you encountered a RPO then the situation may have been different as RPOs have more authority, in terms of enforcing restrictions.





Edit note: Quote marks fixed, for clarity. CfN.