What does DOO stand for in railways?

DOO stands for Driver Only Operation. It is a system where the train driver is the only staff member responsible for opening and closing doors and dispatching the train safely.

Is Driver Only Operation safe?

Rail safety bodies generally consider DOO safe when supported by adequate technology like CCTV and door sensors. However, unions argue that the lack of a second crew member reduces passenger safety and security.

What happens to the conductor in DOO?

In many DOO systems, conductors are either removed or redeployed as 'On-Board Supervisors' who focus solely on ticket checking and customer service, without safety-critical duties like door operation.

The Solo Pilot: Understanding Driver Only Operation (DOO)

Efficiency or risk? Unpack the debate behind Driver Only Operation (DOO). Learn how modern CCTV and sensors allow drivers to control doors without a conductor’s aid.

December 11, 2025 7:55 am

What is Driver Only Operation (DOO)?

Driver Only Operation (DOO), also known as One Person Operation (OPO), is a method of railway operation where the train driver acts as the sole staff member responsible for the safety and movement of the train. In this system, the traditional role of the “Conductor” or “Guard” regarding operational duties—specifically opening/closing doors and giving the “right away” signal—is transferred entirely to the driver.

The Technological Shift

DOO is made possible by technology that replaces the eyes of the guard. Drivers rely on:

In-Cab CCTV: Monitors inside the driver’s cab showing the full length of the train side.
Platform Mirrors/Monitors: Screens placed at the end of platforms to ensure no passengers are trapped in the doors.
Door Sensors: Advanced obstacle detection systems that prevent the train from moving if a door is obstructed.

The Great Debate: Efficiency vs. Presence

DOO is often the center of fierce industrial disputes between railway unions and operators.

The Operator’s View: DOO reduces operational costs and improves punctuality. By removing the communication lag between the guard and the driver during the dispatch process, Dwell Time can be reduced significantly.

The Union’s View: Critics argue that removing the guard compromises safety. The guard provides a “second pair of eyes” for emergencies, assists disabled passengers, and manages anti-social behavior in the carriages, which a driver locked in a cab cannot do.

Comparison: Guard Operated vs. Driver Only Operation

Feature	Guard Operated (Traditional)	Driver Only Operation (DOO)
Door Control	Guard operates doors	Driver operates doors
Dispatch Signal	Guard buzzes/signals driver	Driver self-dispatches
Safety Check	Guard visual check from platform	Driver visual check via CCTV
Dwell Time	Slower (Communication required)	Faster (Direct control)
Staffing Cost	Higher (2 Safety Critical Staff)	Lower (1 Safety Critical Staff)

The Step Toward Automation

DOO is often seen as a transitional step toward fully Automatic Train Operation (ATO). In the levels of automation (GoA), DOO represents a shift where the human role is consolidated before being handed over to computers. While controversial on main lines, DOO is the standard global practice for almost all modern Metro and Subway systems.