THE FIRST SIX GAUTRAIN DRIVERS READY FOR THE FIRST TRIP

The first six Gautrain drivers have graduated. The total driver complement will eventually include 50 drivers, the intention being that a significant number will be women.

Gautrain’s new drivers are all locally recruited while being trained by both French experts from RATP and locally hired BOC trainers. Gautrain’s rolling stock (Electrostar) originates from the United Kingdom. Although 15 rail cars were shipped from the UK, 81 rail cars are being assembled in Nigel in order to develop local skills and create new job opportunities.

The 50-day training programme involves a class-room component where two computer based simulators are used. While two driver trainees go through their various practical exercises, the rest of the class can watch and learn from three plasma screens which broadcast all the actions taking place in the simulators. Trainees are taught by one or two instructors at a time.

The computer based simulator provides a complete representation of Gautrain’s driver cab. It is also equipped with real life fittings such as the driver seat, the traction/brake controller and other functional buttons.

A simulator allows trainees to become familiar with all that is required of a Gautrain driver while being conveniently and safely seated in front of a computer screen that mimics a typical ride on Gautrain’s tracks. A particular advantage of using computer simulation is that it allows the re-enactment of emergency situations which makes future drivers prepared for all possible scenarios.

Once the trainees are familiar with the simulator exercises, the Drivers start their training in one of Gautrain’s real driver cabs currently running on the test track near Midrand.