Is an identifying engine number necessary on a TGBO?

An identifying engine number is not required on a Train & General Bulletin Order (TGBO) because the focus of the TGBO is on conveying instructions and information rather than identifying specific engines. The TGBO serves as a crucial communication tool for train dispatchers, offering general operational guidelines and updates irrespective of engine numbers. The structure of rail operations allows for flexibility, and the information often pertains more to the trains’ schedules, track conditions, and safety notices rather than tracking individual engines.

While certain operational documents may necessitate engine identification for specific scenarios, the TGBO is designed to be more general in nature, making it unnecessary to include an identifying engine number. This freedom allows for more efficient communication across various scenarios and diverse types of trains, whether they are freight or passenger services.