What is the purpose of Mandatory Directives in train operations?

The purpose of Mandatory Directives in train operations is to provide clear instructions that must be followed. These directives are critical for maintaining safety, compliance with operational standards, and ensuring that all train movements are conducted in an orderly manner. Mandatory directives serve as enforceable rules or guidelines that train crews and dispatchers are obligated to adhere to, thereby reducing the potential for accidents and misunderstandings in the operation of trains.

While ensuring trains move quickly can be a goal of train operations, it cannot take precedence over safety and compliance with established protocols. Communication with passengers is important for customer service but is not the primary focus of Mandatory Directives, which are geared more towards operational safety and efficiency. Simplifying reporting procedures may aid in operational efficiency but does not encapsulate the core function of Mandatory Directives, which is to enforce specific operational instructions that must be followed without exception.