Its all systems go for trams to run to Newhaven after Edinburgh Trams confirmed that they have fully recruited additional staff to allow the service to be smoothly operated. 80 new staff members have been appointed thanks to the “Glide to the Future” recruitment campaign (which included adverts on tram 258) and they have undergone training in preparation for their new roles.
Both drivers and Customer Service & Ticketing Assistants have been appointed with applicants coming from a wide range of backgrounds.
Sue Bucher, Edinburgh Trams HR Manager, said: “This latest recruitment drive also aimed at people across a broad section of the local community who were ready for a change in their careers. Successful candidates have undergone an extensive training programme which, for new drivers, included using our state-of-the-art tram simulator that’s ideal for honing concentration and hazard awareness skills. Equally, those who applied for the Customer Service & Ticketing Assistant position were taught industry-leading skills, so they can play a vital role in promoting the city as well as helping people to make the most of its tram system.”
Lea Harrison, Managing Director at Edinburgh Trams, commented: “With intensive testing on the Newhaven line progressing well, there has never been a more exciting time to join our growing, fast-paced team. Now that we are fully recruited, we will be able to further meet the needs of Edinburgh’s residents as we look forward to taking trams down to Leith and Newhaven in the upcoming months.”
The extension is due to open later this spring with an exact date to be announced in due course. Testing has now started and will continue with a gradual increase in speeds of the trams before it starts to happen during the day as well as overnight leading finally to a ghost timetable being run.