‘I tried driving a Metrolink tram – I got in a crash and was caught speeding five times’
A journalist recounts their experience trying out the Metrolink tram driver simulator, including crashing into a virtual car and speeding multiple times. The article also details the rigorous training process for tram drivers and KAM's efforts to attract new employees through social media and engagement initiatives.
Reporter Crashes Tram in First Training Session at Manchester Depot
A Local Democracy Reporter ploughed a Metrolink tram into a car outside Manchester Town Hall during a driver training simulation at the Cheetham Hill depot, where the £500,000 simulator prepares candidates for real-world hazards on the city’s network.
The crash occurred during a simulated journey from Victoria station through Princess Street towards St Peter’s Square, when a computer-generated vehicle pulled out at 12mph. Training officer Stuart Banks oversaw the session, which demonstrated how the simulator can recreate various weather conditions, traffic patterns, and erratic driver behaviors to test trainees’ hazard perception skills.
“I heard muffled laughter behind me shortly before a car pulled out in front of my tram,” the reporter noted, highlighting how trainers can manipulate scenarios to expose drivers to potential dangers. The simulator uses a joystick control system rather than a traditional wheel and pedals, replicating the actual tram cab experience across three screens.
A second simulation run from Didsbury Village to the city center proved equally challenging, with five speed limit breaches including an approach to Chorlton platform so fast that only half the doors aligned with the simulated passengers. “None of the Chorlton passengers got on when I pressed the button to open the doors,” the reporter observed.
KeolisAmey Metrolink trains 60-90 drivers annually through 11-week initial programs followed by a year of line-specific training, typically on the Bury to Altrincham route. Manager Colin Woodfinden explained they run courses every two months with eight trainees each to ensure adequate simulator and depot practice time.
Starting salaries for drivers begin at £25,000, with minimum requirements including age 21 and holding a driving license for over two years. The company is expanding recruitment efforts for 2025, particularly targeting women and part-time workers, while promoting careers across engineering, marketing, IT, and accounting departments through their @lifeatKAM Instagram page and employee engagement initiatives.
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