Scheduler
Schedulers draw up plans for light rail, tram and metro timetables, making sure that services can run cost efficiently whilst also meeting customer demand where appropriate.Timetable scheduling is not a quick task, and as soon as a schedule has been released, data is gathered on service performance and usage, ready for reviewing the schedule and re-planning.
Schedulers must work closely with performance and operations managers and directors to make sure of the resources that are available for delivering any planned schedule. The resources and issues that they have to consider include staff and plans for maintenance of vehicles which requires them to be unavailable for certain amounts of time.
The starting salary for a scheduler is approximately £15000. This can vary according to responsibilities. Experienced schedulers can earn £23000 or more.Go Back
Working environment
Schedulers work in an office normally based at a light rail, tram or metro company's head office or depot. They use a computer and may work on specialist systems designed for scheduling and planning timetables as well as standard computing packages.Schedulers are normally expected to dress smartly, though they usually do not have to wear a uniform. If they spend any time in the depot, they will be expected to wear high visibility clothing for their own safety.
The normal working hours for a scheduler are between 36 and 38 each week. Most schedulers work standard office hours although occasionally overtime may be required.Go Back
Skills and interests
Schedulers need to have a very strong ability to work with large amounts of complex data.The most important skills for a scheduler are:
- methodical approach to work
- attention to detail and accuracy
- analytical and numerical ability
- organisational and planning skills
- good communication abilities
- ability to work under own initiative but also as part of a team.Go Back
Entry into the role
Schedulers are employed by light rail, tram and metro companies. Jobs can be advertised on the companies’ websites or in the local press. They may also use specialist publications or recruitment websites.Normally schedulers need to demonstrate that they have very strong skills in working with numbers. Some employers will expect at least an A level or equivalent in Mathematics or Statistics. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate that they are well organised and confident in handling large amounts of data.Go Back
Opportunities
Schedulers can progress their careers by moving into operations or performance management. They can take on roles including performance manager or operations director.Go Back
Useful links
- Light Rail Transit Association
- Blackpool Tram
- Croydon Tramlink
- Docklands Light Railway
- Glasgow Subway
- London Underground
- Manchester Metrolink
- Midland Metro
- Nottingham Express Transit
- Sheffield Supertram
- Tyne and Wear Metro
- Tramways and Urban Transit (magazine)