By Laura Michell
Meet Graham Arnol – one of the people responsible for training Metro drivers to drive trains on the new rail tracks to Mernda.
Mr Arnol, who started driving trains in 1973 and has been a principal driver with Metro for nine years, has spent the past month preparing drivers for the opening of the Mernda rail extension.
The eight-kilometre extension from South Morang to Mernda opened on Sunday, bringing passenger trains to Mernda for the first time since 1959.
Mr Arnol said drivers needed to be trained on the new tracks to ensure they are aware of the location of the three new stations and signals, as well as to familiarise themselves with the gradients of the track.
He said 24 drivers were required for the new section, with Metro calling on a mix of new and existing drivers for the job.
“This is the first real extension we have had in a long time. Sunbury was probably the last big extension. Most of the drivers are looking forward to going out on the new section of track,” Mr Arnol said.
“It’s really good on the new track. It is as smooth as silk. People will notice the difference to the rest of the track.”
