Monthly Thread - FAQs & Discussions

Anything related to employment, late running or general discussion should be posted in this thread.

Disclaimer

This sub is NOT AFFILIATED with The NSW Government, TfNSW, or Sydney Trains. You should provide feedback directly to them at Transport NSW Feedback .

General FAQs

I've been overcharged by Opal, what do I do?

• You need to contact Opal to request an adjustment / refund. This typically takes 24 hours.

Do Suburban trains have toilets?

• The Suburban trains do not have toilets on them. The OSCARS ( H Set) do have them however they are locked off when operating within the Suburban Network. (Note: While some OSCARS are now part of the Suburban Sets, they haven't all had their toilets removed yet)

Where can I apply to work for Sydney Trains?

• The I work for NSW page has regular job postings for Trainee Driver, Trainee Guard, CSA, Cleaner and more.

How do I see what train / type is running?

• Typically the most popular apps used are: AnyTrip, TripView and NextThere.

Why is there a Waratah going towards Newcastle?

• Both Millenniums (M Set) and Waratahs (A/B Sets) will travel either under their own power or loco hauled up the Main North to Cardiff where they undergo heavy maintenance that cannot be completed in Sydney.

Are quiet carriages not a thing anymore? Why don't people respect them?

• Quiet carriages on the Suburban Network are not a thing. On the intercity side they do exist however the general population don't always adhere to it. Yes, it is very frustrating, but there are worse things to be upset about.

What is happening with the K Sets ?

• They will run October 3 - 5 as an event by TFNSW.

The platform indicators are upside down, why?

• Occasionally they do get messed up, either through human error or software glitches.

What are some good Trainspotting locations?

• Passenger trains: Central, Redfern, Strathfield, Lidcombe
• Freight trains: Concord West, Homebush, Flemington, Sydenham, Rhodes

Trainee Driver/Guard/Misc FAQs

What can I do to prepare for video / panel interviews?

• Research the STAR method online and practice in front of a mirror at home to so on the day you aren't as nervous. SPACE behaviours is another subject to look up as it is part of the Sydney Trains corporate plan.

I've applied for a role but it says talent pool, what does this mean?

• While you may get through all the application process and pass the medical, it does not guarantee you have a position yet. It is highly recommended you not leave your previous job until you've got a start date in writing. Many people are in the talent pool and you can be waiting weeks, months or even a year for a position to become available.

What does the Vieple (Video Interview) contain?

• The Vieple Video interview usually contains a set of different questions, each giving 30 second prep and 60 seconds to record a response.
• No, you cannot redo these. It is important you practice ahead of time.
• No, the questions aren't the same for each interview.

What can I do to help prepare for interviews / general advice for any role?

• Focus around safety, communication, people skills, problem solving and dealing with failure (resolution). Dress professionally (smart/office wear) for your interviews as well as your video portions.

What does the typical schedule for a Trainee Driver look like?

• Day Zero (Your first day): Orientation at Petersham and general introductions / get to know you.
• Month 1 to 2 (approx): Typically 0800 to 1600 at Petersham in a classroom environment. Will consist of theory, practical and simulator use. Exams are both written and practical.
• Month 3 to 13 (approx): Assigned with a Driver Trainer each fortnight, rotating to a different trainer every fortnight. You work from their Depot and shift times. This means you are required to travel across the network to commence work. (Note: A list of the Depots is listed below) After you have completed each Sector, you will be required to complete both written and practical exams.
• Final stage: Once you have finished all 3 Sectors and passed all exams, you will need to pass a final practical assessment. This is over a 2 day period, it will include everything you've learned throughout training. You MUST pass this exam in order to become a Qualified Driver.

What happens once you become a Qualified Driver / Guard?

• After taking up, you will be placed at Central Depot and allocated a Line Number. Each fortnight you will rotate through the various lines and work the associated times and days of that line. This is known as a "Swinger". (Note: See below for more information about Rostering/Lines)

What are the medical requirements for Train Crew?

• You need to be able to pass a CAT 1 Medical for Driver or a CAT 2 Medical for Guard, there is information online for what this involves. Sleep apnea is now a more common talking point as the national guidelines for rail safety work has been updated.

How long do you typically wait after completing the medical?

• This can takes days or weeks depending on how busy things are. It is also done through a 3rd party which can impact time.

Does having pre-planned holidays affect training/talent pool?

• You will need to disclose any holidays you've got pre-planned before starting training. This may affect your start date. Discuss this with your hiring coordinator.

What are the different Unions and are they worth joining?

• RTBU – Operational Rail/Tram/Bus, focus on pay/safety/conditions
• ETU – Electricians/Signallers, Training/Support
• PSA – Admin/Back-office roles, pay/conditions
• PA – Engineers/Designers/Surveyors, professional advocacy
• Most people join (90–95%), typically from Day Zero at Petersham.
• Benefits: support person, legal representation, picnic day, workplace allowances, employee travel card (specific to RTBU).

Typically Day Zero at Petersham there will be an info session with a union delegate where you can ask questions and join if you desire so.

Qualified Driver/Guard FAQs

What are the Sectors / Depots of the Suburban Network?

• The Suburban Network is divided up into 3 Sectors. There are 13 Train Crew Depots spread across the Network. See below;

What are the penalty rates / loading for working specific times / days?

How does rostering work once I'm qualified?

• After you have taken up, you will be based at Central Depot as a Swinger. You are allocated a line and then work the times of that line as per the Master Roster. Each fortnight you rotate through each line and follow the times / workings of said line. Each line for a swinger has a time on the Master Roster, eg 1000 SBY, however when receiving your actual fortnightly roster, this can swing +/- 2 hours. So you could be starting 0814 one day and 1157 the next.

Can I swap lines / shifts?

• Yes, you can; however, this is all coordinated privately between crew then pending approval by Rosters at Burwood.

How do transfer work?

• Transfers within the Suburban & Intercity Depots are all based off of Seniority. This mean those who have been on the job longer have the higher priority when applying for depot transfers. Each year you can apply for one or more depots. Based off of how many open positions at any given time in the year, they work down the list of those who have their name down for it and offer them the position. Some depots, like Waterfall and Blacktown, have extremely long waiting times due to their popularity and limited positions. (Note: There is no fixed time period, it all fluxuates based on positions available)