r/VlineVictoria

Hi everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well.

First of all I want to say thank you to all the drivers and support staff that run the V Line network. The trains are comfortable too. I often enjoy my trips on your various routes.

Also I have an interest in becoming a V Line driver, but am worried I’m never going to pass muster to have this job; so I have a few questions below and am hoping someone can answer or give some insight into this exciting career.

For reference, I am late 30’s and have worked in administration and office management roles since I was 20.

1. I am overweight and I believe there is a strict BMI that we must be under to qualify.

2. I have AuDHD. I am on Medication for the ADHD.

3. Are they looking for female drivers?

4. What is the traineeship like? And is the remuneration worth it?

5. Is it a job we can do past 65? 70? I know women have an “expiry date” in the workforce.

6. Please provide anything else you’d like to share.

7. I know that for training you are based out of Southern Cross. What Country Depots do they have?

8. How smart must you be to be a train driver? I know I’m smart, but the recent ADHD diagnosis makes me feel like I’m worthless.

I want to do something meaningful and have had a life long obsession with trains, as did my dad who passed away. I’m sick of my current career.

Lastly, I have watched the video showing a driver and what her day looks like, and read a few articles about other drivers.

Thanks again everyone and have a wonderful evening!

I’m currently at Footscray. No trains. Are there any buses from southern cross?

Just a bit of a random rant... but what's the point of conductors on Vline trains?

I've been seeing some absolute shit behaviour from people recently on the Traralgon/Gippsland line, including feet on seats and people basically refusing to move bags from seats on over crowded trains. People are also using the train like it was a metro service, hoping on at a pick up stop and then getting off at another pick up stop. I barely see the conductors anymore, the only time I see them is when we are at stops. What's going on? Whats the point of having them on the train if they are just going to hide at the back of the train? The most frustrating thing about it is that the people that are doing this stuff are getting off the trains at metro stations... Is it because of the free travel situation? Or because of the new metro Tunnel? Maybe I'm just being grumpy because I have to stand for 80% of my trip home because people going to Pakenham can't be bothered getting a metro train home.

It would be interesting to know if I am the only one who has noticed this or if others have noticed it too.

I get on a Quiet carriage whenever i can as i suffer from anxiety.... now noboby cares, loud phonecalls, music without headphones... just people not giving a shit anymore, if you see on the news in a few weeks that someone has lost the plot on a v/line Quiet Carriage that was not quiet!! Its probably me

First time at Albury station. Train not running for unknown reason with bus replacement. Checked last night online and all running - this morning different story.

Station itself is also closed with no access to toilets or any facilities.

Disappointing service with general feeling that this is pretty common.

Hoping to get some freight train drivers attention as I can use some advice!

Abit of background: I’ve spent the last 10 years in office work trying to understand what career I pretty much want. After being part of a general rat race with no satisfaction - i now believe that this is not the life I want. Im 28 and i live in Melbourne but drive between Sydney and Melbourne frequently as my boss works out of Sydney as well as every member of my family.

I’m at a stage where I’m ready to find a career that I believe would make me feel fulfilled and rewarded. When I was younger I was very interested in trains. This was reminded to me a few months ago which made me start to look at different aspects to freight driving and I feel that this could be an amazing and beneficial career.

The only role I seem to find for a traineeship seems to be a role in Mt Isa, QLD which don’t get me wrong this would be something to relocate for, but it’s not something that I would want to be there forever.

I feel like I have what it takes in terms of risk and safety control to do this job, I do want to apply for this traineeship but I don’t want to stay there forever. I also want to be respectful to an employer as the industry is large in area but small in employers so I guess reputation is important.

Would love to understand how these freight companies work in terms of relocation, and if I do apply for a role in a town like Mt Isa from traineeship, how long are you expected to be there after course completion. I would understand that a few years minimum is required but keen to hear from an actual driver.

Also be keen to understand what your experience is and what it’s means to you too!

Cheers!

I need to go to Ballarat next weekend for something and I'm considering whether to take my bike or not. I know that free PT has smashed Geelong and Bendigo V/Line services but what about Ballarat? If crowding is bad at the moment, I won't bother with the bike.

Hi. Just a quick question. What’s happening with the Burnbank Street crossing upgrades and the new pedestrian crossings at various other locations around the city? It seems like work is currently at a stand still with the gates just being closed for about 3 months now.