Calmness and Common Sense

Train dispatchers are an indispensable part of the operations. They truly lead the railway philharmonic. Silently working in the background, their decisions and choices conduct trains safely to their destinations. “It is essentially about controlling all the operations on our routes,” says David Šimon, one of the eight Leo Express dispatchers. “We enter the data to the Railway Administration system, we appoint the staff to the shifts, we deal with closures, monitor the operations, and solve unexpected situations and issues. We try to make the operations as smooth as possible,” he says. 

What are the crucial attributes of a good dispatcher? David says it is mainly mental resilience and common sense. Dispatchers are under a lot of pressure, as they are responsible both for efficiency and safety. That is why they have to undergo regular training. “We learn about all the new changes and practices, and recent experience,” says Gabriela Pravdová, another dispatcher. Newbies have to work several shadow shifts, and then pass the final test.

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Professional Journey

Gabriela sometimes takes a short respite by going back to her former position – you can meet her in the cabin crew uniform. “I love it. From time to time, I need to speak with passengers, not just watch the screen and make phone calls. Plus, it is an opportunity to travel – to Slovakia or Poland,” says Gabriela who has been with the company for ten years.

David joined the Leo Express cabin staff seven years ago, and gradually made it to the operations room, and he plans to stay. Both David and Gabriela are happy in their positions. “It is great to work for a company that lets you develop,” says David. “In addition to the lines to Poland or Ukraine, we will soon send trains also to Bratislava and Warsaw. It is a challenge, and we are looking forward to it,” he says. “The team is great, like a family. That is another thing that makes us happy here,” adds Gabriela.