The train drivers are copping it also it seems across socials. The salaries are being called out and those figures would be hard to get any public support.
I don’t know much about the industry or the rates on offer are somewhat acceptable in the industry or below par?
I’d say around $150k seems reasonable for the job. Perhaps 160/170k with allowances and overtime.
200s seems a bit of a stretch, happy to be advised if that thought is unreasonable. The 200s and 300s in the Transport Arena should only really be Pilots, and they deserve such figures. Virgin just negotiated in a $300k base for its Captains.
Is there are a driver shortage? That’s why they’re asking so much.
Maybe if certain sections of the media didn’t demonise essential worker’s they might get people to fill those positions, or at least make their jobs a little easier.
I’ve read that and if they are just getting wages that are comparable in other states then I don’t have an issue.
That’s been an issue for a while. Some outlets including opinion pieces are really making out like the drivers are trouble makers. They start throwing those 6 figure salaries around, and obviously the large chunk of the nation who is on far less will go along with the egg throwing. It’s a skilled job.
You’re right, I had a look at applying as a train driver, and there were a lot of requirements and questions. I thought better of it and stepped away. Wouldn’t surprise me that we have the worst paid drivers, given how Gladys and Dom et al thought of essential workers.
I don’t think it’s the rank and file that are the trouble makers. It’s the RTBU head honchos causing the issues IMHO. As mentioned before, it’s a skilled job that requires you to be on your toes the whole time - you’re driving thousands of tonnes of metal and electricity and potentially hundreds of people. These opinion pieces seem to think that it’s like driving a car, when it’s anything but. The pay needs to be consummate with that skill.
The Sunday Herald Sun reports upgrades on Victoria’s Myki ticketing system is facing more delays, with Australian technology company Convergint resigning from the consortium with US-based giant Conduent Transportation in December last year. The consortium won a 15-year contract in mid 2023 to operate the Myki system.
The government has refused to commit to a date by which contactless payment – allowing for touch on with credit cards and mobile devices – would become available, citing the complexity of technology and the need for extensive testing.
It is understood the government hoped testing would begin on trains and trams later this year, with the potential for some sections of the public transport network to use contactless technology – such as credit cards – next year.
How is it that a considerable number of jurisdictions worldwide (and even in Australia) can deliver this functionality, but it seems to be incredibly difficult in Melbourne?
I haven’t followed myki in many years but is it a case of VIC continuing with their own systems as opposed to ripping out the whole lot and replacing it with something off the shelf that Conduent use?
Adelaide PT is much smaller and much less complicated but we’ve had the new Tap and Go Conduent readers on all buses for about 12 months, you can also buy a ticket through the Adelaide Metro app and scan that when boarding. Uneventful transition from the decade+ old metrocard/Crouzet (magnetic ticket) readers, with the final readers being replaced on trains this year.
I see the same readers are being trialled with myki, but if the backend is still a mess, I imagine you’re going to be hitting the same roadblocks… Frankenbarriers anyone?
Old systems do present their problems when it comes time to update and add to them. But London’s Oyster system, perhaps the pioneer of modern ticketing, is 21 years old and doesn’t seem to have nearly as many problems as Myki. They’ve also had contactless AND smart payments since 2014.
Brisbane’s Go card is just as old as Myki but it also has contactless and smart payment.
What’s causing all the issues on Myki when older and equivalent aged systems are going along fine?
I noticed this morning there’s trams that departs
Flinders Street for Melbourne Park that are free for ticket holders.
I’ll go there that way tomorrow and show a PTV staff member my ticket at the tram stop
Adelaide Metro’s non-electrified Outer Harbor, Grange, Belair and Port Dock lines are now serviced entirely by hybrid-diesel railcars.
The distinctive green rail fleet is fully fitted with a hybrid system designed to reduce emissions, lower fuel consumption and enhance passenger experience.