Case Studies

Case Study 1: Roster optimisation for an intercity TOC

Challenge:

An intercity Train Operating Company approached us to review and improve their weekday base roster. They were experiencing consistent pressure on weekday coverage, with frequent reliance on rest day working and short-notice changes.

Our Approach:

We carried out a detailed analysis of their existing roster structure, taking into account diagram efficiency, staffing levels, and operational requirements. Working closely with their resource planning team, we proposed a refined version of their base roster that redistributed existing coverage more effectively.

The Outcome:

Our amended roster delivered one additional head every day, Monday to Friday, without increasing overall headcount. This small but strategic change significantly reduced their reliance on rest day work and overtime.

The Result:

By improving internal coverage, the TOC realised an estimated annual saving of over £50,000.

Beyond the financial gain, they also saw improved roster stability, greater staff satisfaction, and enhanced operational resilience.

Case Study 2: Resolving weekend coverage issues for a TOC

Challenge:

A Train Operating Company was consistently struggling with Saturday train crew coverage. Jobs were regularly being split to ensure coverage, and the operator was heavily reliant on rest day working, significantly increasing operational costs. Every weekend posed a fresh challenge just to run the service.

Our Approach:

Driven by Rail carried out a comprehensive review of the TOC’s existing roster, focusing specifically on spare coverage distribution. While overall spare capacity was sufficient, we identified that it was poorly positioned — certain spare staff were located in depots or links that couldn’t realistically cover the Saturday work.

We worked closely with the resource planning team to redesign the roster, redistributing spare duties more strategically across the network to ensure optimal coverage where it was actually needed.

The Outcome:

The outcome was a more balanced and operationally effective roster that significantly reduced the need for short-notice fixes and costly rest day working.

The Result:

By redistributing existing resources without increasing headcount, the TOC reduced their average Saturday rest day usage from 9 drivers to just 3 — a 66% reduction.

This not only improved roster stability and operational resilience, but also boosted staff morale and helped deliver a smoother weekend service.

Case Study 3: Increasing efficiency for a TOC's flagship London Depot.

The Challenge:

We were tasked with increasing efficiency and reducing costs at a UK TOC's largest depot in London to improve operational resilience within existing headcount and agreements. 

Our Approach:

Analysing and improving rosters is within our DNA and a shared passion across the DBR Team. We dive deep into every roster, every line and every shift to ensure they are as productive as possible whilst balancing this with our fatigue management strategy. 

The Outcome: 

We were able to realise a 9% increase in spare efficiency and reduce uncovered turns at the depot by 7% per week. This gave the TOC a significant saving from the previous year.

The Result: 

This approach produced consistent results for both the employer and employee. We reduced costs and improved inefficient rosters whilst adhering to all local and national agreements to ensure they were acceptable to all.