After four weeks of intense practical and simulation training, light rail drivers Nicki Martin, Heather Goodman, Elena Jovanovska, Lissa Bradley-Loftus, Sarah Jane Coffey and Jahsie Paez received their driving certificates today at a ceremony at Transdev’s Randwick Light Rail Depot.
Sarah Jane, who joined Transdev in December 2023 after a career driving buses across Europe, said the training was done in a supportive environment.
“The trainers were really encouraging and supportive and one of them commented that they had never seen a group as close as we were,” she said.
“We’re in a male dominated industry so the more women who join this program the better – because, it’s not a man’s job, it’s a person’s job.”
The driver training involved theory on safety and standards, signals and speed zones, training simulator practice with traffic and customer interactions before driving on the network under supervision.
The trainers were really encouraging and supportive... one of them commented that they had never seen a group as close as we were.
Sydney Light Rail Managing Director Arsene Durand-Raucher said the female driving school had been a great success.
“We’ve got 36 female drivers working across the Sydney tram network now and our What Drives You recruitment campaign is hoping to attract a lot more to this rewarding career,” said Mr Durand-Raucher.
“We have another five women in training now who’ll also graduate soon.
“Our all-female driving school is innovative and it’s something that’s getting results and that Transdev is very proud of.”
Transdev is committed to provide a diverse, engaged and resilient working environment. Learn more about the business’ strategy to encourage women to join and stay in our Gender Equality Action Plan.
