Metro Trains has congratulated one of its former employees, Shayne Tempest, who recently retired after 45 years with the Victorian Railways.
Born in country Victoria, Tempest started on diesel trains out of Seymour in 1980 before moving to Melbourne five years later to drive the electric trains.
From Red Rattler to Harris trains, to the 4D (Double Decker train), Modified Harris Trains (known as Son of Comeng) to Comeng to HCMT, Siemens and X’Trapolis trains, Tempest has driven them all and seen many changes to the city’s rail network in the process.
Over the past 45 years, he has gone from running trains over all country and suburban lines to being an On-the-Job Trainer, Special Class Instructor Driver, Principal Driver, Group Manager Central, Manager of Driver Training, and Testing and Commissioning Manager.
He said his career highlights include coaching and mentoring the next generation of potential managers and implementing new technology.
He’s also proud to have fulfilled the completion of Testing & Commissioning when the last HCMT was commissioned.
A spokesperson for Metro Trains said: “While Shayne will miss the camaraderie of working in a team to achieve common goals, his legacy with rail will continue with his three sons Shayne, Ryan and Jarryd – all Principal Drivers with Metro.”
