A tram operator in Okayama City, where there is a shortage of drivers, held a recruitment information session with driving experience in order to let people know the appeal of the job.
On the morning of the 23rd, Okayama Electric Railway in Okayama City held a briefing session for driver recruitment, which was attended by 20 men and women in their 60s to 16s.
After listening to an explanation of the company's history and operations, the participants moved to the depot and boarded the tram.
Then, I drove carefully for a distance of about 50 meters while being taught how to operate by the driver.
According to the company, the number of drivers has been reduced from about 30 to 24 now, and since August, the service interval has been expanded except during the morning and evening rush hours.
We are planning to hire four people in January next year, and this is the first time we have held a briefing session with driving experience, and a total of about 8 people participated in the two days of the 1th and 4rd of this month.
A man in his 19s from Kurashiki City said, "I participated because I wanted to make my dream come true again, even though I will be returning soon.
Hiroto Watanabe, General Manager of the Okayama Electric Rail Railway Division, said, "We held this event because we wanted people to know what it feels like to drive a tram, and we feel that we have gained a deeper understanding than in previous briefings."