Our Channel 5 Documentary Stars - Episode 5

This week, our behind-the-scenes documentary series The Railway 24/7 continued on Channel 5 showing what it takes to keep millions of passengers on the move every year. Get to know some of the stars of Episode 5 below.

You can watch the series Wednesdays at 8pm on Channel 5, or on catch-up. 

Hi Dan, let’s find out more about you. How long have you worked for TPE, and what roles have you done in that time?

Three and a half years, two and a half as a Station Team Leader and this past year as Group Station Manager.

What did you do before joining the TPE team?

I was a Car Park Team Manager at Manchester Airport.

What does a typical day look like?

No such thing as a typical day I’m afraid, my time is very much led by my diary and can involve meetings at locations across the TPE network, conference calls, spending time with my station teams, local stakeholders and that lovely old chestnut, paperwork.

What sort of things make you excited to go to work?

Variety and challenge. I’m a people person and this job places me perfectly to have that interaction with a wide range of people.

And what frustrates you?

People who are not prepared to work collaboratively to find solutions to problems.

What’s been your career highlight?

Stepping into this role as Group Station Manager.

What are your career aspirations?

To continue into a senior leadership role within the rail industry.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your role?

Get stuck in, show a willingness to get involved and show initiative. Whatever level of the business you’re in, try to use some initiative and look at the way you work on a day to day basis. You might start noticing things that can get you noticed yourself.

What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

Not even remotely work-related, becoming a father has led to a non-stop learning experience.

What do you like to do to unwind away from work? 

Spending time with my family and dabbling in gaming and various computer programs.

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

I once spent a fortnight in Mississippi helping to build houses for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Quickfire Round
Favourite Nova? Nova 1
Favourite train station? Hull
Your favourite city in the North? Manchester
Best holiday destination? States
Podcast or book? Podcast currently, a book usually (far too busy).
What song can you listen to on repeat? When a blind man cries – Deep Purple.
Favourite artist of all time? Couldn’t even begin to make that choice, let alone quickfire.
A film you could watch over and over? Batman - The Dark Knight.
What’s your guilty pleasure? Ice cream as a post-pub snack.

Hi Matthew, let’s find out more about you. How long have you worked for TPE, and what roles have you done in that time?

I have worked for TransPennine Express for six years, during this time I have had several roles. I started as a Trainee Conductor at Liverpool Lime Street, moving to Manchester Airport depot shortly afterwards (as this was closer to home). I then became a Customer Information Controller working in the Manchester Rail Operating Centre, I was in this role for 14 months before becoming a Retail Controller (now known as a Duty Customer Experience Manager) within the same team.

What did you do before joining the TPE team?

When I left school, I trained to be an electrician at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, working on the Royal Navy Astute-class nuclear submarine. I then left my hometown of Barrow-in-Furness to embark on my railway career. I started as a Retail Service Manager for Cross Country Trains based out of Manchester Piccadilly. I spent six years in this role, before joining the TPE team.

What does a typical day look like?

A typical day in the life of a Train Driver consists of reporting for duty on time at the depot, checking safety notices and establishing any issues that may be encountered throughout the day. Typical safety notices would be speed restrictions over sections of track for example. Once you have booked on and familiarised yourself with relevant information for the day, it is time to head to the depot to collect the train for the day's service. This consists of getting a company taxi to the train care depot at Ardwick to collect your train for the day. Upon moving your train from the depot to the main station, you will be greeted by your Conductor. Confirming station stops and discussing any safety-related information prior to departure is vital. For a Train Driver safety is always at the forefront of your mind. A typical route that I would drive is Manchester to Hull with the occasional trip to Manchester Airport. No two days are the same, and you must be ready for the unexpected. It is a thoroughly enjoyable job, with an office that has a forever changing scenery.

What sort of things make you excited to go to work?

The unexpected situations excite me, turning up to work not knowing what the day holds. I love being out and about and on the front line. I get great satisfaction when I have safely transported our customers to their destination.

And what frustrates you?

There is not a lot that I get frustrated about in honesty. The one thing that would frustrate me is a delay on my train home!

What’s been your career highlight?

Qualifying as a Train Driver is my career highlight so far!

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to become a Driver Instructor next, after a few years of experience. Passing my knowledge on to others.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your role?

To make sure they put the effort into their training. It is an intense time, and you will need to take work home with you at times during the training phase.

What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?

The rules and regulations part of the training (the rulebook) is immense.

What do you like to do to unwind away from work?

I love going to the gym and swimming. I also live for my holidays; I love to travel around the globe.

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

I used to be a radio presenter in my hometown.

Quickfire Round
Favourite Nova? Nova 1
Favourite train station? Manchester Piccadilly or Grand Central if we are talking worldwide.
Your favourite city in the North? Has to be Manchester of course!
Best holiday destination? USA
Podcast or book? Podcast
A film you could watch over and over? I love Star Wars
What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate