Introduction

*Disclaimer: all views are entirely personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kiwirail, TranzMetro, the RMTU, or any other player in the rail indsutry.*

Hi! My name is Geraint Scott and I'm a Locomotive Engineer (train driver) for TranzMetro in Wellington, New Zealand. I really love my job, and I think TranzMetro provide a great work environment, but there are things here - and in the wider rail network around New Zealand - that need to change for it to run at its optimum. 

As of starting this blog on 25th March 2015, I've been employed with TranzMetro for barely more than a year - I worked as a Passenger Operator (ticket clipper) for three months before landing my current job as an LE. Compare this to the tenure of some of the other drivers at TranzMetro (it's fairly common to see drivers with 20 years experience, and even 30 or 40 years is not out of the question!) and it's fair to say that I'm not particularly experienced in the job. However, in the short time I've been here I've seen, heard, and learnt a fair bit and I'm learning more all the time. I want to combine what I'm learning in the industry with my passion for public transport, smart Green economics, transport safety, stronger unions, and combating climate change. 

I'm going to cover a range of topics here. Some will be directly connected with the rail industry in New Zealand, others more loosely so, and others again not at all but rather just burning interest of mine. But there will be plenty of rail talk!

I'd love to get input from other people, particularly those involved in or passionate about the rail industry! Comment on a post so we can engage with each other :)