V/Line is currently training a record 108 drivers on Victoria’s regional railways, a record figure since the operator’s inception in 1983.
A batch of 10 new V/Line driver trainees was welcomed on January 7, bringing the total number of trainees over 100 – the result of a significant recruitment drive aimed at bringing the total number of qualified drivers to 415 by December 2019.
“To run more trains, more often we need to recruit new train drivers on the V/Line network,” public transport minister Melissa Horne said. “These newest V/Line trainee drivers will help deliver the services that Victorians need to stay connected, access jobs and essential services.”
The state says the current crop of recruits will help deliver extra Ballarat line services, following the completion of the half-a-billion dollar upgrade of the line currently underway.
As part of its recruitment drive V/Line is hiring new trainees, increasing the number of practical driver trainers, and investing in new training facilities.
The training is delivered to meet the requirements of a Cert IV in Train Driving, while also ensuring route familiarity and specific skills required to operate trains travelling up to 160km/h.
“The regional rail network is growing fast and the Andrews Labor Government is investing billions in new trains, tracks, stations and signals to provide a modern and efficient network,” Horne said.