Applications opened today for 60 new Transperth railcar drivers – who will be among the first to drive trains on the METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link.
Recruitment for railcar drivers is so competitive it is only conducted bi-annually, with four classes of 15 drivers each to be run over the two years.
Transperth drivers are some of the most highly-trained in the country.
Drivers must successfully complete a 25-week paid training period (including sessions in a custom-built train simulator at Claisebrook), as well as on-the-job training as a trainee railcar driver, to obtain their Certificate IV in Train Driving.
Training includes 11 weeks in the classroom learning all the theory behind driving railcars – including electrical safety, customer service, signalling and communications – before completing at least 14 weeks of on-the-job training in the railcar with a driver trainer.
Applicants come from all walks of life and do not need a background in rail with training provided by the Public Transport Authority.
Applications close at 9am on August 30, for more information visit https://www.pta.wa.gov.au/careers/train-driver-recruitment
The McGowan Government’s METRONET is on track, with the recent announcement of the route alignment for the much anticipated Morley-Ellenbrook line.
The Yanchep line extension and Cockburn-Thornlie link are also pressing ahead at full steam, with construction set to start late in 2019.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“There are plenty of us who would have held childhood dreams of driving a train – and with applications now open for the next round of Transperth train drivers – now could be the time to turn these dreams into reality.
“Once their training is complete, these drivers will literally take front seat in witnessing the Transperth network – METRONET transformation – being among the first to drive on the Forrestfield-Airport Link.
“Other METRONET projects are tracking ahead at full steam, with the recent announcement of the route for the Morley-Ellenbrook line and confirmation that construction on the project will start in late 2019 with upgrades to Bayswater Station.
“The Yanchep rail extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Line are also on track, with works expected to get underway later this year.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in Perth’s public transport network and a unique opportunity to see the growth and expansion of our rail lines first hand.”
