Driver wanted for tram with top speed of 7mph

Feb 25 2010 by Owen R Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

A TRACK record of slow driving is required for a new job that would see the successful applicant enjoying the high life.

The Great Orme Tramway wants a new driver to keep them on line for a successful 2010.

And while a top speed of 7mph means the job can never be described as life in the fast lane, drivers are compensated by seeing the finest views of Llandudno several times a day from the 207 metre summit.

Tramway manager Neil Jones said: “Like every job there are highs and lows and it generally depends on the weather.

“If the wind is blowing and it’s raining it can be hard but on the sunny days it is a wonderful job, an outdoor life with stunning views.

“We tend to have more good days than bad.

“The seasonal people we employ tend to come back year on year, and this tells you something about how enjoyable the job is.”

The season for the seven attendants runs from mid-March through to October and drivers are on a basic salary of around £6.80 an hour.

Attendants work around 40 hours a week in the busy season and the four tram cars make 3,000 visits to the summit of the Great Orme each year.

The basic speed is controlled by winch operators who command the cables that haul the trams up and down the Orme.

Neil added: “The attendant is the eyes and ears of the winch operator and now they have more tools at their disposal in terms of speed adjustment and emergency braking.

“Because our seasonal people tend to come back we rarely have opportunities for attendants and this one has come about due to a retirement.”

Full training will be provided for the successful applicant but the ability to communicate in English and Welsh is essential for the post.

Neil added: “A large part of the job is meeting and greeting people and it can be a lot of fun for attendants.

“Everyone here has been an attendant at one point and we all multi-task and do a bit of everything. On a good day this job is as good as any.”

The Great Orme Tramway has been delighting visitors since it opened on July 31, 1902.

It’s the only cable-hauled tramway still operating on British public roads.

For additional information contact Neil Jones on 01492 871846 or log on to the jobs section of the Conwy County Council website at www.conwy.gov.uk