Tram/Metro Driver

Tram and metro drivers operate their vehicles along rails providing a transport service for passengers on specific routes within a town or city. They are responsible for the safety and comfort of their passengers and for operating their services to a set timetable.

A tram/metro driver has to sit in their cab, controlling the tram’s speed and motion with a lever (traction brake controller). Most tram and metro journeys are made within town or city centres and so speed is limited to 30 miles per hour. Some trams and metro services run out of town, and can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour at most.

Tram and metro drivers have to obey signals; in built up areas these are often combined with traffic signals for other motor vehicles. Drivers are also responsible for watching out for traffic and pedestrians as they operate alongside roads and pavements and within built up areas. They are also responsible for checking that passengers have got on and off the vehicle safely before closing doors and moving off. Sometimes drivers also have check passengers’ tickets and passes and answer customer queries.

Currently there are seven tram and metro systems that require drivers; these are based in major towns and cities around the UK – Blackpool, Croydon, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, Tyne and Wear and the West Midlands. There is a light rail system (Docklands Light Rail) which operates in London – however this is a driverless system.

Trainee tram and metro drivers can earn approximately £14500 a year, and with experience this can rise to around £19000 a year. Experienced drivers, and those who take on additional responsibilities (for example supervising other drivers, or mentoring trainees) can earn £23500 or more.
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Working environment

Most companies operate tram/metro services every day of the week, including public holidays. They usually run for about 18 hours a day, from 6am until midnight meaning that shift work can be necessary.

Drivers sit (or, in the case of the Blackpool trams which don’t usually have driver cab seats, stand) in the cab for the duration of the working day, apart from lunch and other breaks. Some cabs have both heating and air conditioning.

Drivers may have to wear a uniform provided by their company and may also be required to wear high visibility clothing when they are in and around the tram depot.
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Skills and interests

Drivers should be interested in transport and enjoy working with people.

The skills that they need to work successfully include:
- observation and concentration
- quick reactions
- clear and confident communication
- customer service
- ability to remain calm under pressure
- well organised and able to keep to schedules.
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Entry into the role

There are no formal entry requirements to become a tram/metro driver, although most employers expect applicants to have passes at GCSE grade or equivalent, usually including grades A-C in English and maths.

Normally applicants must have held a full UK car driving licence for at least a year and be at least 18 years old (for some companies the age limit is 21). Some companies insist on two years’ driving experience. Successful applicants may also have to pass a medical examination and undergo checks for alcohol and drugs use.

In some companies, staff are initially recruited as conductors or as passenger services staff and apply for driver positions after they have gained experience. In other companies the role of on-tram/metro passenger support and driver are combined.

Jobs are usually advertised in the local press and on tram/metro company websites.
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Opportunities

With experience a driver could progress to become a duty manager, services controller or trainer. Some drivers go on to train as passenger carrying vehicle drivers and move into bus/coach driving or apply to become train drivers.

Most companies have their own training programmes for new recruits. Drivers can also study for industry related qualification such as
- EDI Level 2 Certificate in road passenger transport
- EDI Level 2 NVQ in road passenger transport operations
- EDI Level 3 NVQ in road passenger transport operations.
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Useful links

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Case Studies

LIGHT RAIL, TRAM & METRO - tram driver
See an interview with Manchester Metrolink tram driver Jess Rose (links to Jobs4U careers database)
View case study (external website)

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