MP’s Visit Lithgow Signal Box – and get a history lesson to boot

Our Members of Parliament are charged with ultimately making decisions that impact our working lives and the way our transport system operates, so helping our MPs get a real understanding of how our systems operate and the importance of our roles can only help ensure that when they need to make a decision, they make a good one.

With that in mind, Area Controller Russell Curtis, recently gave two NSW Government MPs – Jo Haylen, the Minister for Transport and Road Minister Trish Doyle - a real insight into what a day in the life of a signaller looks like.

Under the watchful eye of Russell, the two MPs got hands on experience of being on the tools, pulling signals at the Lithgow Yard Signal Box.

Russell didn’t just show the MPs what the complexities of the job looks like in reality, but he and fellow RTBU member Nigel Ward also gave them a history lesson in signalling.

The MPs didn’t just walk away with a better insight into the complexities and critical importance of the role of signallers in keep our transport system safe and moving, but also got a handy bit of information they might be able to use next time they’re playing trivia with their fellow MPs – that the Lithgow Signal Box, is the oldest operating signal box in the Southern Hemisphere!

A big thank you to Russell and Nigel for taking the time to make sure the people making decisions in this state now have a better understanding of the important work our signallers do.