DENVER — RTD has a fun and unique way to train new light-rail drivers, while also providing real-life experiences.
Inside the light-rail facility along Elati street, there’s a hidden gem. A simulator with an instructor and two small windowless rooms for those in training.
“You can mess up and nothing will happen versus the real life you can damage trains or equipment, but in here it’s no big deal,” said instructor, Eric Mannes.
The training center is for both new drivers entering the field or those who have been with RTD for years, but would like additional training.
The room is a fully operational simulator designed to throw everything an operator would experience out in the field.
It’s equipped with different buttons, screens, pedal, mirrors, and the actual speed limit drivers are going — basically anything you would find inside a real light-rail car.
Instructors are also able to see everything the driver in training is doing, which means catching mistakes along the way.
“It’s very intense. You must be paying attention at all times. You have to know what’s coming at you and knowing the signals to see if you can proceed or not,” Mannes said.
Mannes likes to challenge drivers in training by adding different scenarios, such as a bad storm, pedestrians or objects on or near the track, as well as work zones.
“Rain, snow, fog, sleet, in real-life scenario it makes the tracks very slick much like a car. We have to be able to show them to brake a lot sooner than you normally would, just like being in a car almost. The weight of the cars and people make it a lot different on when and how to slow down, “ Mannes said.
According to RTD, not only does the simulator serve as a training tool for navigating weather and obstacles, it also works as a familiarization tool with different zones and understanding information out on the track, as well as allowing operators to practice callbacks when controllers present instructions.
The simulator launched in 2015. Mannes said RTD is looking to make upgrades on the simulator with the city’s current layout.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Latest from 9NEWS
