Conditions affecting safety on the Swedish railway - Train drivers' experiences and perceptions

Major changes have been implemented in recent years within the rail bound sector. There is, therefore, a need to consider if and how these large alterations affect rail safety. The aim of the study was to explore train drivers' experiences and perceptions of conditions affecting safety of the Swedish railway system. Narrative semi-structured interviews were performed with ten train drivers. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the interviews. The results were captured in two main categories: (1) Facing structural changes includes results unclarity in responsibility assignment, deteriorated tracks and insufficient safety culture and (2) facing technology development, covered safety systems such as ATC and ERTMS which were seen as high-quality safeguards with both benefits and challenges due to new technical devices. The new challenges that have entered the arena should be offset by increased coordination and by a party responsible for safety within the industry. Finally, restrictions and regulations regarding the use of the tablets and smart phones are desirable.