It’s full steam ahead leading up to the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Line and Transperth’s train drivers are in the middle of a Driver Training Program (Program) to prepare drivers to operate trains on the new line from Perth Stadium Station to Cockburn Central Station, passing through the new stations at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road.

The Program involves training pilot train drivers when the line is first commissioned so they can instruct a wider group of drivers who will operate trains on the new line. This allows all drivers to be familiar with the route, signals and station facilities. We had a chat with Michael Goudas (pilot) and Neil Birnie (trainee driver) to find out what it’s like to operate a train on Perth’s first east-west cross line connection.

“Driving along the new route has been pretty smooth sailing, although I’ve had to get used to the new signals,” Neil said. “Travelling along elevated rail is also a new experience for me.”

When asked what excites them about the opening of the new line, Michael said the ability to get people out of Perth Stadium Station after a game straight to the line will provide great convenience and help with passenger volumes. “The Thornlie-Cockburn Line will offer a direct route from Optus Stadium to Mandurah, without having to transfer through the Perth CBD,” Michael said. “This will save passengers a great deal of travel time and the inconvenience of having to pass through the Perth Station to get to the Mandurah Line.”