High-speed train drivers' operation performance: Key factors, models, and management implications

High-speed train (HST) is a fast, reliable, and environmental-friendly transportation means for medium to long-distance travel. HST drivers need to continuously keep alert for a few hours, detect potential hazards in time and make quick reactions, and strictly follow standard operating procedures. The objectives of this study were to identify the key factors that are related to HST drivers' operation performance, to propose a validated prediction model, and to provide practical management suggestions to improve performance. Six focus groups with 22 HST drivers and 18 frontline managers and a questionnaire survey with 243 HST drivers were conducted to collect qualitative and quantitative data concerning the potential influencing factors. A prediction model with seven key predictors was then developed and validated to distinguish high and low-performance HST drivers. Accordingly, management guidelines were proposed based for HST frontline managers to improve their drivers' operation performance by optimizing the three scheduling factors, such as adjusting sleep duration, intermittent rest duration, and HST-type switching frequency; and managing the four non-scheduling factors, such as periodically checking HST drivers' health condition, frustration, and fatigue, and providing corresponding interventions. Relevance to industry: Findings of the study provide practical management guidelines based on the obtained high-speed train drivers' operation performance prediction model.