New Facilities Driving More Inclusive Rail Network

VIC Premier

New facilities built for train drivers at Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station have made working in the transport sector more inclusive, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll opened the new facilities for drivers at Flinders Street Station that include all gender locker rooms with private change rooms, a maternity room with modern facilities, and other private spaces for drivers.

The Labor Government is delivering these facilities across the traditionally male dominated transport industry – helping make the workforce as diverse as the community it serves.

Women now make up about one third of Metro’s train drivers – with 550 female drivers now getting passengers where they need to go – up from just 27 in 2009.

The new maternity rooms include private areas for expressing, spaces to rest and are secured to ensure people’s safety and privacy. The old driver facilities have been upgraded with new flooring, lighting, heating and cooling installed.

These facilities have maximised the space and work to future-proof Flinders Street Station for the growing number of drivers joining Metro, as they deliver more train services for passengers than ever before.

As stated by Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll

“We’ve just reached a massive new milestone – there are now 550 women driving trains on our metropolitan network – an incredible growth from only 27 employed in 2009.”

“Our upgraded driver facilities at Flinders Street Station now have maternity rooms and all gender change rooms. This is a huge step forward to ensure everyone feels welcome and included in the workplace.”

As stated by Metro Trains CEO Raymond O’Flaherty

“Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people – we want to ensure everyone feels welcome and included in this industry.”

“New all gender change room facilities and a maternity room for parents at Metro are just some of the steps we are taking to prioritise our people.”

/Public Release. View in full here.