A staffing model where a train is operated entirely by the engineer, without a conductor or brakeman. The engineer handles all driving, door operation, and communication duties, often relying on trackside cameras or mirrors. While common on commuter and transit lines, its implementation on heavy freight railroads is a major point of contention between labor unions and management over safety and workload.
Heard on the job
The union is fighting the new driver-only operation rules for the overnight manifest trains.
Insider tip
In North American freight, you will more commonly hear this debated as one-person crews rather than DOO, which is more of a transit or European term.
Also heard as
- DOO
- one-person crew