Shining a light on women in Light Rail
Today we highlight the hard work of the newest light rail drivers Nicole Martin, Heather Goodman, Elena Jovanovska, Lissa Bradley-Loftus, Jahsie Paez and Sarah Jane Coffey –– this International Women’s Day.
After four weeks of training the new cohort of all female light rail drivers received their driving certificate from the Minister at a ceremony at the Randwick Depot.
The group was trained to understand what it takes to operate a light rail vehicle safely and on time, including how to use signals and learning difference driving conditions for each lightrail line.
A big part of the training was using driving simulators, that provide a safe way to experience what it’s like to interact with passengers and traffic before trainees go out on the network supervised by a mentor.
These women will now join the Transdev team in helping get passengers where they need to go in and around Sydney.
The Sydney light rail network will continue to target female drivers through it’s recruitment campaign ‘What drives you’ encouraging women who are looking for a rewarding career to consider becoming a light rail driver.
As well as these six female drivers who have received their certification, another five females are due to be certified shortly and become a critical part of the public transport network.
Quotes attributable to Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins:
“I congratulate Heather, Elena, Lissa and Sarah on their hard work and commitment to becoming an integral part of our public transport network.”
“It is great to be celebrating women’s achievements this International Women’s Day and I look forward to seeing these new drivers out on the network.”
“Becoming a light rail driver is no small feat and but it is a very rewarding and important role to keep our public transport network running.”
Quotes attributable to Transdev Sydney Managing Director Arsene Durand-Raucher
“Transdev Sydney and its partners are dedicated to maintaining an inclusive environment for women on the Sydney light rail network.”
"In cultivating a workplace that embraces diversity and gender equity, we illuminate the path towards a more inclusive and responsive light rail system. By valuing and incorporating the perspectives of women in our workforce, we not only enhance customer service but also prioritise safety and security, fostering an experience that resonates with the diverse needs of the community we serve."
Quotes attributable to ALTRAC
“Today we very warmly welcome 5 new female drivers as our colleagues in the Sydney light rail network. It’s just one example of how light rail supports gender equity in Sydney.”
“Light rail has a unique ability to make all people feel safe and secure when using the network. It’s this sense of security while using light rail that makes it a real transport option for women at all hours. This in turn helps lay the groundwork for a nighttime economy in Sydney powered by female participation.”
“At ALTRAC Light Rail we look forward to exploring how we can extend the gender benefits of light rail even further.”
Quotes attributable to Sarah Jane Coffey:
“I have had a lifetime of roles in industries dominated by males, so it was so refreshing to feel so supported during driver training, and to do so as an all-female cohort.”
“I absolutely love my job and being good at driving a tram has nothing to do with my gender; it's about capability. I'm here to showcase my skills and continually challenge myself.”
"Being part of an all-female training class was a transformative experience. Even our trainer noticed what a tight-knit group we were and the level of support and encouragement we provided each other throughout our training.”
“What I love about my job so far is how vastly different it is to my previous roles as a courier and driving buses. For the first time it feels like I am not being seen as a woman in a man’s job. I am certified to drive a tram and every day my experience will grow.”