LUAS drivers as part of Dublin's transport system have confessed they haven't been trained enough for the new service.
The tram drivers were reported to receive 17 hours learning how to operate the new system which goes from Stephen's Green to Broombridge, however, they only got 6.
The new route is said to have numerous more junctions and hazards that could pose as more challenging to the usual drivers.
According to The Irish Times, one health and safety rep for Luas said that many drivers felt nervous: "The reality is that the majority of drivers are not ready because they have only received six hours’ live driving experience on the new route.
"This in my opinion is totally insufficient and poses a risk to public safety. Two-thirds of the 200 drivers have not driven a tram at night as their training was designed to suit trainers in daylight hours only."
Siptu steward Richie McCarthy said numerous drivers voiced concerns about the lack of training: "A lot of drivers asked for additional training but were told by management they had been passed competent to drive the lines.
"Of course they are competent. They’ve been driving the trams for 10 years. But there’s a difference between competence and adequate training."
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for Transdev said any driver that wished for more training would receive it in due course.
They said the new route: "... represents a milestone for the Luas network and for transport in Dublin.”
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