The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Train Driver of the Year

Iluska Sandor

Said the following about Paul Joyce:

“Paul Joyce is a compassionate, empathetic & engaging member of staff with ScotRail, having been with the company for 10 years. Passed out as a competent driver in December 2015, it was 2 months later that he successfully intervened. Driving on the new Borders Railway, and in the middle of winter, it is very dark. Coming into the station, he had plenty of time, so reduced his speed. Approaching the bridge he caught sight of a girl standing in the 4foot. If she hadn't been standing next to the LED at the Banner Repeater, he wouldn't have seen her. He saw her stumble & fall down onto her bottom, then get up and run towards the train. He shut off the power & put the brakes on, stopping just 5m away. He saw she had blonde hair and very red eyes, from crying. He advised the conductor of the situation and that no doors were to be opened. He informed Control and got blockages on the line. The girl starting cursing and asking, "why did you stop; why did you not keep going; why didn't you take my pain away?!" He put on his hi-vis & went down onto the track. He engaged with her; reassured her and then stated it was cold, and they should get into the cab. She asked as to how she could climb from ground into cab, and he showed & instructed her. She came in & sat on the vestibule floor, crying her eyes out & breaking her heart. Paul instructed the Conductor to remain close-by. Paul enticed her to talk, stating they had all the time in the world, as the train wasn't moving anytime soon. The girl explained that she had lost her father & was greatly missing him, and his protection. Life with her mum was not good. The girl wanted a cigarette so one was passed and she smoked it in the driver's cab. The radio came alive and she jumped; he managed to reassure her that all was all right. Engagement greatly improved, and even jokes & banter were shared. The girl was responding to humour, and the kindness of the driver. The girl divulged some terrible things to which brought tears to Paul's eyes - the girl started to comfort him. The girl was happy for the train to move and so they travelled to the station. Paul offered to take girl onto platform & stay with her to which she responded, "good, because we haven't finished talking!" Conversations continued and the girl admitted she had tried committing suicide before. Paul kept her calm, and continued to listen & reassure her. However, the girl heard the police were on their way. She bolted and ran through the car park. After this event, Paul found out that the BTP had indeed picked her up. He had promised the girl that he would do anything to help her. He spoke with medical staff and offered to pay for whatever she needed. The doctor and his superior had never seen or heard such compassion. Time passed, and 3 months later Paul saw her on the platform - she had a big smile and gave him a double thumbs up! Paul received special commendation from the Chief Superintendent, BTP. Paul received a GEM Award and was nominated for Team Spirit Award.“