Tram driver

Tram drivers operate trams, take fares, and look after passengers.

Tram drivers typically do the following:

• carry out equipment checks at the start of their shift
• drive the tram along set routes
• pick up and drop off passengers at tram stops
• keep in radio contact with the control room for up-to-date route information
• make passenger announcements on a public address system
• write up reports on any incidents that happen during their shift

Tram drivers often wear a uniform. They work outdoors when loading bags or riders. The rest of the time, they are inside the tram. They may be exposed to hot or cold temperatures depending on the season, or can drive in bright sunlight or in the dark.

Tram drivers have a high level of interaction with riders. They must often deal with unpleasant or rude passengers.

Tram drivers often have work schedules that are pre-arranged. They usually work five days in a week, this may include weekends and evenings. They may work part time or full time.

The following job titles also refer to tram driver:

driver of light rail trains
driver of trams
light rail train driver
light rail vehicle driver
metro train driver

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a tram driver.

Tram drivers usually need to have a clean driving record and may be required to pass a background check; they also might need to meet physical, hearing, and vision requirements.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Tram driver is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to tram driver.

trolley bus driver
bus driver
taxi driver
private chauffeur
passenger fare controller

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of tram driver. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of tram driver with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aviation safety officer
deck officer
aeronautical information service officer
aviation data communications manager
international forwarding operations coordinator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of tram driver.

• Tramway regulations: Know the regulations governing tramways and apply these regulations in the daily operations of tram transportation. Ensure that standards are met in relation to safeguarding the well-being of passengers and the tramway company.
• Types of trams: Know different types of trams and their technical operating requirements. There are various forms of tram, such as cable-hauled, hybrid funicular electric, electric (trolley cars), gas trams, and trams powered by other means.
• Road traffic laws: Understand road traffic laws and the rules of the road.
• Health and safety measures in transportation: The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.
• Mechanical composition of trams: Understand the mechanical composition of trams; have the ability to identify and report any damage or malfunction to central operations.
• Effective perception of transport environment: Know the local transport topography, including roads, traffic hotspots, and alternative routes to reach a destination. Use knowledge to transport the vehicle to its destination in the most time and fuel efficient manner, and minimising safety risks.
• Passenger transport regulations: Have knowledge of passenger transport conventions and regulations.

These skills are necessary for the role of tram driver.

• Focus on passengers: Transport passengers to their destination in a safe and timely fashion. Provide appropriate customer service; inform passengers in the event of unexpected situations or other incidents.
• Communicate with customers: Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
• Apply conflict management: Take ownership of the handling of all complaints and disputes showing empathy and understanding to achieve resolution. Be fully aware of all Social Responsibility protocols and procedures, and be able to deal with a problematic gambling situation in a professional manner with maturity and empathy.
• Perform tram equipment checks: Conduct equipment checks at the start of a shift to ensure that the tram is operating as required.
• Help to control passenger behaviour during emergency situations: Know how to use life-saving equipment in emergency situations. Provide assistance if leakages, collisions or fires should occur, and support the evacuation of passengers. Know crisis and crowd management, and administer first aid on board.
• Provide first aid: Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.
• Drive in urban areas: Drive vehicles in urban areas. Interpret and understand transit signs in a city, the regulation of traffic, and the related common automobility agreements in an urban area.
• Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
• Communicate clearly with passengers: Speak clearly in addressing travellers; communicate information related to their itinerary. Make announcements to passengers upon approaching the prescribed destination.
• Tolerate sitting for long periods: Have the patience to remain seated for long periods of time; maintain an appropriate and ergonomic posture while sitting.
• Ensure vehicle operability: Keep the vehicle clean and in roadworthy condition. Ensure regular maintenance of the vehicle and provide valid official documents such as licenses and permits where appropriate.
• Use communication equipment: Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
• Stay alert: Stay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.
• Keep time accurately: Measure the passage of time, often with the assistance of a clock or stopwatch.
• Provide information to passengers: Provide passengers with correct information in a polite and efficient manner; use proper etiquette to assist physically challenged travellers.
• Interpret traffic light signals used in tramway infrastructure: Observe traffic lights in tramway infrastructure, examine track conditions, area traffic, and prescribed speeds to ensure safety.
• Operate tram controls: Operate tram controls and power switches with different operating systems. Manipulate forward and reverse motion by smooth application of power and braking.
• Maintain concentration for long periods: Stay concentrated over a long period of time in order to make correct judgements and appropriate decisions.
• Interpret tramway traffic signs: Observe traffic signs, understand their meaning, and act accordingly in the tramway infrastructure.
• Ensure vehicles are equipped with accessibility equipment: Ensure that the vehicle is equipped with accessibility equipment such as passenger lift, seat belts, restraining harnesses, and wheelchair clamps or webbing straps.
• Clean road vehicles: Clean and maintain vans, buses and any other road vehicles to ensure safe operating conditions.
• Tolerate stress: Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.
• Adhere to transpiration work schedule: Adhere to assigned work schedule as prepared by the transportation company.
• Drive trams: Drive trams through urban areas; pick up and drop off passengers and freight.
• Perform services in a flexible manner: Adapt service approach when circumstances change.
• Assist disabled passengers: Use appropriate safety procedures to operate lifts and secure wheelchairs and other assistive devices while assisting physically disabled travellers.
• Perform defensive driving: Drive defensively to maximise road safety and save time, money, and lives; anticipate he actions of other road users.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of tram driver. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Execute vehicle maintenance: Execute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, performing non-mechanical maintenance tasks. Service small engines including hydraulic equipment. Check the oil and fluid levels on all equipment. Check vehicles and equipment to insure that they are in smooth and safe working order.
• Read maps: Read maps effectively.
• Handle petty cash: Handle petty cash for minor expenses and transactions required for the daily running of a business.
• Operate GPS systems: Use GPS Systems.
• Lift heavy weights: Lift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.

8331 – Bus and tram drivers

References

1. Tram driver – ESCO
2. Passenger Vehicle Drivers : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Tram driver | Explore careers | National Careers Service
4. Bus Drivers – Working Conditions
5. Featured image: By Kim Traynor – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0