Veteran train driver says safety feature

Experienced train drivers confirm locomotives can still operate effectively without a working safety feature called the Vigilance system, contradicting State Railway of Thailand workers who cited a lack of the system as a reason for suspending train services.

The protesting workers said they were concerned about passenger safety.

However, a veteran train driver for 19 years, Saroj Suksaengdao said the Vigilance system was a supplementary safety tool that ensured train drivers kept locomotives at a proper speed throughout a run. Working similarly to a Cruise Control feature in sedans, train drivers needed to step on the idle accelerator to stop a loud beep coming from Vigilance.

The Vigilance system requires train drivers to step regularly on the accelerator to make sure they do not go to sleep on the job. "[But] without the Vigilance system in place, locomotives are still operational," he said.

Under safety guidelines, train drivers and mechanics need to keep in touch more constantly when operating locomotives without the working Vigilance system.

There are seven must-work features in a safety checklist before each run is allowed: headlights, horn, brake system, speedometer, all marker lights, all pressure valves and doors to engine rooms, with the Vigilance system not on the must-work list.

Saroj said he did not agree with protesting railway workers about the lack of the Viligance system on locomotives as a reason for suspending services. "Although most locomotives are old, they can remain operational with good and routine maintenance and inspections. It's not that they are full of danger and should not be used to serve passengers," he said.

Referring to a claim by protesting workers that they are overworked, Saroj said all train workers have one day off a week and are put on standby one day a week. "I don't think train drivers work too hard as claimed by protesting railway workers," he said.