❓ A WA parliamentary question seeks detailed information regarding train driver numbers, recruitment, training, qualifications, and citizenship within the Public Transport Authority (PTA). The answer provides some high-level information but avoids specific figures for many of the questions.
AnsweredQoN 331Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Public Transport Authority (PTA) passenger rail network, and I ask: (a) is there a shortage of train drivers to cover the current amount of work needed; (b) in reference to (a), if there is a shortage, by how many Full Time Equivalents (FTE); (c) is the PTA currently recruiting for additional train drivers; (d) if yes to (c), how many; (e) how many FTE train drivers are currently engaged by the PTA to operate trains on the passenger rail network; (f) how many hours of training is required to be completed on PTA-owned Western Australian (WA) trains before a new recruit is able to take responsibility for driving a train; (g) what credential, qualification, certificate, licences or otherwise, including any State Government and Federal Government mandated qualifications and training, is required to be held by train drivers on the WA public transport rail network before taking responsibility for driving a train; (h) what percentage of FTE train drivers were recruited less than one year ago; (i) what percentage of FTE train drivers were recruited less than two years ago; (j) what percentage of FTE train drivers were recruited less than three years ago; (k) what percentage of FTE train drivers are Australian citizens; and (l) what percentage of FTE train drivers are on visas?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
12 August 2025
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport
Response time
4 days
(a)-(l) The Public Transport Authority (PTA) continually recruits new railcar drivers.
Excluding driver coordinators and trainee railcar drivers, the PTA currently employs 438 full-time-equivalent railcar drivers.
Railcar drivers must have an unrestricted Driver’s License, and undergo approximately six months’ of training to attain a Certificate IV in Train Driving.
Drivers must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen to be employed as a Railcar Driver with the PTA.
Excluding driver coordinators and trainee railcar drivers, the PTA currently employs 438 full-time-equivalent railcar drivers.
Railcar drivers must have an unrestricted Driver’s License, and undergo approximately six months’ of training to attain a Certificate IV in Train Driving.
Drivers must be a permanent resident or Australian citizen to be employed as a Railcar Driver with the PTA.
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