TTI Co-ordinator/Examiner Geoff Cross (right) discusses day's routine with Guard Dennis Mallett

Information for Volunteers – Travelling Ticket Inspectors (TTI)

Introduction

The job of Travelling Ticket Inspector (TTI) is vital to the efficient operation of the railway. It is important to maximise and protect revenue from fares, whilst at the same time promoting and enhancing the image of the line. Ideally, there should be at least one TTI on every train, although during the Peak Season (July/August), two are better on the busiest trains, with one working from each end of the train.

Early Days

During the early years of the WSR, fares were few and simple. However, there were two different fare structures; one for steam trains and one for diesel. These required encyclopaedic knowledge of the fare tables by both Booking Clerks and TTI and were soon abandoned! Edmondson Card Tickets were standard issue from Day One, though the person who placed the original order neglected to stipulate standard size, with the result that these tickets would not fit in the ticket racks! Setright machines were used for supplementary tickets from reopening (28 March 1976).

Today

TTI now have to be competent all-rounders. They are, as it were, at the very coal-face, having intimate and regular contact with our thousands of passengers all the time. You will be required to provide information about the railway and neighbouring attractions, as well as selling and inspecting tickets. New recruits will undergo training under an experienced TTI or guard until they are considered confident and competent enough to undertake the task on their own and they express themselves satisfied that they can cope.

What you will need to know

It must constantly be borne in mind that the majority of our passengers are not railway enthusiasts. Indeed, most of them never travel on any form of public transport, let alone trains. They are holidaymakers, who may need assistance in planning their journey. It is therefore essential that you should become familiar with the railway. To do this, you may need to take several trips up and down the line and visit all stations. In this way you will be able to advise passengers on any requirements they may have.

You will need to study very carefully the current fare tables, as well as any Notices concerning fares which are issued from time to time by the Commercial Department. You must be able to do mental arithmetic and to think on your feet when under pressure. You will need to become familiar with both the Wayfarer and Setright ticket machines. Fares are reviewed every year by the WSR Board and a percentage increase authorised in line with current inflation. Compared with other lines, the WSR offers excellent value in terms of pence per mile.

Hours of Work

After you have expressed an interest in being a TTI, you will be rostered as a Trainee with an experienced TTI. You should report for duty in a smart condition and early enough to sign on, draw your equipment and assist the guard in any duties he or she may assign to you, such as watering the first of the day's trains at either Minehead or Bishops Lydeard. For example, if you were rostered on the 1015 exMD, you might expect to finish duty when the last train arrives back at MD at 1715.

Security

Bear in mind that you will be handling cash: on some days, large amounts of it. You will be briefed orally on personal security during your on-the-job training. It is extremely important that you follow any instructions given to you in this respect.

Other duties

You may be requested by the guard to assist with a number of other duties, such as unlocking the carriage doors, watering up the coaches from the platform hosepipes and checking that the toilets on the train have toilet rolls, hand towels and soap. You may also be required to assist the guard with the safety of the train, such as ensuring all doors are properly closed before departure from stations. Towards the end of each journey, the TTI goes through the train with a rubbish bag collecting rubbish and checking all the toilets are flushed and clean. At the end of the day, he or she will assist the guard by closing all carriage windows and locking carriage doors.

How to volunteer

Please contact the West Somerset Railway Association for further details on 01823 433856 (fax 01823 433954) or look inside any copy of the West Somerset Railway Journal.

We look forward to seeing you soon. or contact the TTI Co-ordinator/Examiner direct for an informal chat. Geoff Cross tele 01823 663718, email Geoff.Cross@btinternet.com

Guards & TTI's work as a team

Information for Volunteers – Guards

Introduction

The job of Guard is vital to the safe operation of the each train, and to share the task of maximising and protecting fare revenue. We are involved in promoting and enhancing the image of the line. There is a Guard on every train.

Today

The Guard is in charge of the train and has the overriding responsibility of safety.

Guards should be clean, tidy and look the part. Volunteers provide their own uniform and high visibility vest.

Trainee Guards are recruited from experienced TTIs who have completed at least 12 months [or 20 turns] and who are considered to have the necessary attributes. A colour blindness test and medical examination are required for this safety critical job.

You will undergo training with experienced Guards and in “classroom”/practical sessions guided by a team of Guard trainers. Regular assessments determine when the trainee is considered competent to take their exam, often after 20 or so turns.

What you will need to know

During the exam trainee Guards have to demonstrate their ability to shunt a train, split and join carriages, their understanding of the Rules and their confidence to manage a train in normal service during the day and at night.

We want all passengers to enjoy a fun day on the WSR in a safe environment; Guards need to be able to answer the same question over and over again and talk tactfully to folks who may ignore safety signs. Remember it may be their one trip on the WSR - and they must go away with a good impression.

Guards need to know the WSR route, have basic understanding of signalling and study the WSR Rules and Regulations and the current fare tables, as well as any Notices which vary the day to day operation.

Hours of Work

A Guard is responsible for preparing a train and disposing of the stock at the end of the day, so duty is normally one hour before train departure until approx 30 minutes after arrival.

Security

Guards are responsible for the safety and security of WSR carriages and equipment and therefore need to be very aware of security. You will be briefed orally on personal security during your training.

How to volunteer

It's a demanding and very satisfying job working with a great bunch of people.

Please contact the West Somerset Railway Association for further details on 01823 433856 (fax 01823 433954) or look inside any copy of the West Somerset Railway Journal.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Photographs on this site are (c) Respective owners and not to be used without written permission