Zagreb on the search for 100 new tram drivers

Zagreb tram

Zagrebački električni tramvaj (ZET), the authority responsible for public transport in the Croatian capital Zagreb, is launching a major recruitment drive, seeking 100 new tram drivers.

With a growing shortage of staff and the looming retirement of many existing drivers, ZET is taking steps to maintain its service levels and is looking to hire as many as one hundred tram drivers, with an open call published on their official website.

According to the document, drivers will be employed on a fixed-term basis for one year, with a two-month probation period beforehand.

Candidates must be at least 21 years old and hold a category B driving licence.

They must also be medically fit for the job, and a secondary school education is sufficient for the role. It should be noted that candidates must complete a six-month tram driver training course, which costs around €2,700, paid at their own expense.

Only after passing the “tram driver” exam can they sign an employment contract with ZET.

Those who have already passed the exam are exempt from this requirement. All interested candidates have until 21st October to submit the necessary documents to ZET’s headquarters at Ozaljska 105.

Daily Večernji list asked ZET why they are suddenly seeking one hundred drivers and why they plan to employ them for just one year. They explained:

“We currently have 657 tram drivers employed. However, considering the average age of our drivers is over 55, a significant number of workers meet the retirement criteria under the Labour Act, including eligibility for a full old-age pension for long-term insured workers (60 years of age and 41 years of insurance).”

“Taking into account the expected retirement rate of our tram drivers over the coming period and the fact that the training for obtaining an H category tram driving licence takes six to eight months, the number of candidates specified in the call is necessary to maintain a high standard of passenger service in tram transportation in the coming years.”

“Over 100 of our drivers will qualify for retirement next year, which is why we need new recruits. And even these 100 won’t be enough. All drivers who meet the requirements will receive a new permanent contract following the initial fixed-term one,” said Anto Jelić from the ZET Drivers and Transport Workers Union.

Zagreb tram (Photo credit: Orlovic/Public domain)

It is well known that ZET has a shortage of drivers and has been experiencing additional staff turnover in this area over the past two years.

According to the public city transport operator’s business report, 175 employees left the company in the first half of 2024, including 66 bus drivers and 22 tram drivers.

Most of them retired, but 30 resigned. Many were dissatisfied with their pay, as tram drivers, for instance, earn an average of between €1,150 and €1,400 net, including overtime, shift work, Sunday work, and other bonuses.

(Photo: Orlovic/Public domain)

This is why ZET frequently advertises for drivers, as they did last year in late August when they hired 50 tram drivers on a fixed-term basis, Večernji list said.