The roughest ever trams in Melbourne, largely irrespective of who was driving them, were the Melbourne E class until the braking control was reconfigured 18 months ago. On at least one occasion I was sent flying, not quite falling to the floor, upon departure from a stop while waiting for the Myki card reader to decide to accept my ticket. They are acceptable now but still not quite as good as a Gold Coast trams.

Another general warning about the Es. Don’t try running through the doors after they start to close! I can assure you that they are quite powerful enough to knock you to the floor without even stopping. Nice people rapidly got me to my feet. It’s good to have strong bones!

Regards,

On 22 Mar 2019, at 9:54 am, Matthew Geier matthew@...> wrote:

> On 22/3/19 10:40 am, Prescott wrote:

> Indeed that certainly sounds like a compelling reason to visit Melbourne Richard!

Yes, you have spent to much time riding either modern trams were the control system moderates the drivers inputs, or in places where the drivers still take pride in their jobs.

Combine a slightly older tram with significant power available, and a driver who doesn't really care about the art of tram driving, 'it just a job to pay the bills' and you will find things are not quite so smooth.

I think it was Breman where I was told new tram drivers are still instructed on an old GT6 resistance control car even though all regular service trams are now electronic drives, as this gets them to develop smooth driving habits from the beginning.