The Regional Transportation District (RTD) of Denver is set to purchase a new simulator for light-rail training, as part of a strategy to boost its expansion and add more train drivers.

Intended to train 250 people annually, the new simulator costs $1.5m and is being built by a French firm Oktal Simulation, reported Denver Post.

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Capable of simulating all conditions that are likely to be encountered by a light-rail operator in Denver, the simulator’s console has been designed to exactly resemble a regular light-rail cab.

"We can throw all kind of curveballs at them. It allows us to look at people, correct their mistakes, hone their skills before they are put out on the streets."

In addition, the system will also feature routes along the RTD system. The simulator is expected to boost driver and passenger safety and save costs, according to RTD board members.

RTD board member Claudia Folska said: "We put a lot of effort into safety and making sure everybody can operate our trains safely.

"Whenever we can get something to improve the knowledge of our drivers, we should take advantage of that."

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During training, the simulator will allow operators, supervisors and other workers to deal with situations such as changing weather conditions, bumps and stops along a light-rail route and intruders on a track.

RTD rail operations department assistant general manager Austin Jenkins said: "We can throw all kind of curveballs at them.

"It allows us to look at people, correct their mistakes, hone their skills before they are put out on the streets."

The simulator is expected to be delivered in 18 months, while RTD plans to conduct training at its light-rail training facility at Elati Street and Santa Fe Drive under controlled conditions.

Jenkins said that the simulator will also be used for the future Interstate 225 light-rail lines and extensions.

Calgary Transit is already using the simulator, the company served more than 107 million passengers in 2013.

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