By Despina Vlepaki

The day the cabinet presents the Kyranaki’s relevant billPASOK presents a first set of measures to discuss the railway.

“We are opening a debate beyond the self -evident security measures that should have been installed for years. Our goal is to enhance the reliability, viability and competitiveness of the railway as a basic means of transportation of goods and passengers. We are talking about the preparation and observance of a strategic plan for rail transport. So that the design does not change every time the Minister changes, so that the railway can play his development role and again make a safe, reliable and economically accessible means of transportation“They were executives of the program team under Lefteris Karchimakis, the Insocial team under Nikos Christodoulakis and the relevant areas of the party that worked out the plan.

PASOK’s plan for the railway

Administrative Restructuring & Supervisory

Establishment of the National Transport Transport Executive Board (Taxpayers)

The Council will have a regulatory and advisory role. It will also coordinate and supervise the execution of the rail network projects and will be accountable for progress on the basis of the original design objectives.

1. A recommendation to the country’s political leadership (government, Parliament, etc.) but also consult with social actors, both at strategic and executive, the necessary actions to upgrade the railway.

2. Coordination and supervision of the necessary rail network works (infrastructure) and the organization of the transition from the current situation to the future. Responsible for ensuring the operation and security of existing infrastructure.

3. Implementation (technical and time) of all components of quality services and security.

4. Periodic accountability (qualitative and quantitative) for what it supervises, in the political leadership of the country (government, parliament, etc.) but also in society.

5. Continuous evaluation of project performance and in case of deviation from the objectives responsible for proposing the strategy adjustment with corrective actions.

6. Opinion on proposals for amendments by the country’s political leadership and participation in the consultation.

7. Responsible for the organization of cooperation with technical advisers where it is needed, either for acquiring know-how, know-how, or for services.

8. Continuous cooperation with ‘Railways of Greece MAE’ in order to communicate the plan of actions based on the strategy planned and to avoid overlays and responsibility gaps.

9. Administrative independence: The President and the members are selected meritocratic, based on scientific and professional criteria without party correlation and dependence.

2. Enhance the Railway Regulatory Authority (RAS)

1. Upgrading of an institutional role, with new control responsibilities (sanctions, regular technical controls, etc.).

2. Recruitment of specialized techniques, legal and security inspectors, through open, transparent tenders and international partnerships.

3. Relationship with Hellenic Train and other individuals

1. Apply and compliance with existing contracts, only clear clauses and incentives to upgrade the rolling stock and timely run.

2. Review of the contract with the Hellenic Train, provided that there is a basis for non -compliance with obligations or serious security offenses.

PERSONAL & ORGANIZATIONAL COMPANY

4. Evaluation of existing staff

1. Universal control of skills (technical knowledge, disciplinary registry, safety skills) for key positions: Stations, drivers, traffic regulators, etc.

2. Periodic frequency of medical and psychological examinations for employees based on Directive 2007/59/EC and the relevant Technical Specifications of Interoperability (TSI). Every 3 years for ages under 55 years and per year for over 55 years.

3. Those who do not meet the required criteria, are submitted to targeted re -training or leave with a specific plan (eg voluntary exit, transfer).

5. New meritocratic recruitments with transparency

1. Open, meritocratic and immediate competitions (possibly in collaboration with ASEP) for engineers, security technicians, legal and more.

2. Connecting the remuneration to the severity of the position so as to attract high -level experts.

3. Review of working relationships on the railways to eliminate the “block” phenomenon and to have a permanent well -trained staff.

6. Cooperation with foreign technical advisers

1. Strengthening the model “Sofrerail” (90s): Experts from large European networks (eg French, German, Italian railway) for:

● Transmission of know -how (marking, telecommunications, ertms, etc.).

● Practical training of stations, drivers and techniques.

Training – training

7. Creating a Postgraduate Program

1. In collaboration with academic bodies (not just NTUA), a postgraduate program (Greek -language and foreign language) is being created in “Railway Engineering & Traffic Systems” with the aim of training executives for administration, design, infrastructure and safety.

8. Upgrading of KEK OSE

1. Reintegration of the former OSE Education & Training Center, with emphasis on:

● Institutionalization of a respective Vocational School/Program (2 years of study) for stations, drivers, drivers, scientific supervision by the “Greek Railways MAE”.

● Continuous training of existing staff with cutting -edge knowledge and modern technological trends with certified trainers

● Cooperation with the certification body to certify graduates and lifelong education.

● Possibility of psychometric evaluation for decisive positions (eg drivers).

● Collaboration with foreign networks for trainer exchanges.

9. Pistoling of the training of employees at ‘Railways of Greece MAE’ by an external certification body

● Cooperation with a distinguished certification body for active staff.

● Certification of re -training of employees by the certification body when necessary.

10. Periodic reassessment

1. A two -year cycle of knowledge and skills review (technological developments, new safety protocols), especially for circulatory positions in charge.

2. Certification of Education by the certification body.

Immediate security measures and technical priorities

11. Completion of signaling & telecommunications

1. Priority in the main lines (PATHEP: Piraeus-Athens-Thessaloniki-Grand), with ETCS/ERTMS, GSM-R and integrated telecommunications systems.

2. Development of automatic crossings (ASID) and digital surveillance systems, especially in suburban and high -traffic sections.

12. Infrastructure Protection & Treatment of sabotage

1. Gradual line fence and cable boxing, at least in vulnerable points, for restriction of theft and accidents.

2. Development of studies and construction of infrastructure in order to protect and can immediately return the railway from extreme weather “Daniel” weather.

3. Strengthening cooperation with local authorities to eliminate illegal crossings.

4. Placing videotape systems at “critical” stations or network points.

5. Inspection of Infrastructure and Recording their status either endogenously or with external partners with appropriate certification and equipment.

6. Recording network malfunctions in an online GSIS type data base for optimal Diakti’s overtime in real time.

7. Update RAS about the results of the Primary Audit.

13. Selective vacations or speed reductions

1. Avoid full interruption of the railway.

2. Extensive holidays only in sections with severe damage or security deficit until the necessary tasks are completed.

3. In all other sections, traffic safeguarding intermediate measures (eg reduced speed, double shift of staggering).

Upgrade

14. Upgrading/renewal of rolling material

1. Through cooperation of public and private providers (Hellenic Train or other companies), with clear terms of funding and receipt timetables.

2. Special care for modern trains that cover and suburban/regional needs.