Metro train driver’s emotional PA announcement captivates passengers

BIG-hearted Melbourne commuters have sent their support for a train driver moved to tears after a terrifying near-miss, including one of the passengers pictured giving her a hug. LISTEN HERE

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UPDATE: BIG-hearted Melbourne commuters have continued to send messages of support for a train driver moved to tears after a terrifying near-miss.

Passengers hugged the Metro employee at Flinders St Station yesterday morning after she made a teary announcement to explain why the service was running late.

News of the rare show of emotion led to a further outpouring of support on social media.

One woman told the Herald Sun she felt compelled to approach the driver at the end of the journey.

“As a passenger on her train one couldn’t help but hear the raw emotion as she relayed to the passengers what had transpired and kept up all informed as she resumed our journey to the city,’’ Nikol Lee said.

“When I saw how young she was it made her actions all the more courageous.

“Metro you have one hell of an employee in this young woman.’’

Another, responding to the train driver’s mum who posted to the Herald Sun’s Facebook page to thank commuters for their support: “I am one of the passengers in the photo.

“Please give your daughter a big hug from us all. She did an amazing job this morning and you must be very proud of her xx.”

Passengers hug a Metro train driver who was overcome with emotion during this morning's peak hour commute.

The train driver’s mother took to Facebook to share her thanks.

“Thank you all so much for comforting my beautiful daughter,” she wrote, before adding her daughter was very appreciative of the kindness being shown to her.

The driver’s mum said she was “very proud” but couldn’t say more due to the media policy of Metro Trains.

The woman had been driving a Frankston Line express train when she narrowly avoided hitting a pedestrian who skipped through a level crossing at Parkdale around 8:15am.

The near-miss proved all too much for the driver who used the train’s PA to explain herself.

“I want to get you guys to work,’’ she said.

“I want to go home myself. Nobody needs to tap their watches or clap their hands ... you don’t know why the trains are running late.

The driver became emotional after revelling she’d almost hit a passenger crossing the tracks.

“I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry for the fact we are running so late.

“Like I said, be grateful for the fact this train even ran ...’’

“To everybody who has been lovely and hasn’t decided to do all these passive aggressive things or get on the PA and abuse me, you’ve been fantastic I truly appreciate and thank you very much for your patience.”

Metro spokeswoman Sammie Black said support services were in place to help drivers involved with near misses and fatalities.

“We are extremely grateful for all the well wishes and care shown towards our driver who was involved in a near hit,’’ she said.

“We will be passing every message onto her and we know that she has been very appreciative of the support received.

Scores of passengers hugged the train driver after her emotional announcement.

“Our team is focused on ensuring our driver’s wellbeing, as part of our trauma assistance program.’’

Ms Black said drivers were unable to swerve or stop quickly and such incidents can have a traumatic effect.

“It’s especially important to take care around level crossings, for both cars and pedestrians,’’ she said.

“If the boom gates are down then it is unsafe to cross, even if a train appears to be some distance away.’’

She said the driver had been met by a manager and took a short break before continuing.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union state secretary Luba Grigorovitch said drivers had a tough job.

“(It) requires them to be alert and responsive at all times,’’ Mr Grigorovitch said.

“New rosters forced in by Metro cause fatigue and stress making the job even more challenging.’’