Light rail drivers say they are ready to roll on what is a new era of transport in Newcastle and hope the public jump aboard the trams they have diligently been learning to operate over summer.
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Ky Gladdish, a born and bred Novocastrian who picked up the driver job after a long career in the airline industry, said there was an excited mood among the "small family" of drivers.
"One safety related role to another," he said.
"To be part of the opportunity, to start with, because its a huge thing for Newcastle.
"To be part of that from the beginning is really exciting."
Mr Gladdish was one of 10 drivers who recently completed their Keolis Downer light rail driver training.
"It was pretty intensive but we tried to make it as much fun as we could along the way," he said.
"I think from the outset you don't realise how much is involved. I was a bit surprised initially how much you need to know."
England-born Annie Maslowicz, who has transferred from the Newcastle Transport bus maintenance team, said the training had one primary focus.
"It was all about safety," she said.
"Not just for us, but our passengers, road users, pedestrians - everyone."
Some safety issues arose during light rail testing, like cars crossing tracks and cyclists riding along the line, but the drivers said they felt prepared for everything.
"These things always come with a bit of education and we're always driving defensively," Ms Maslowicz said.
"We've been trained to expect the unexpected. We're definitely ready."
Ms Maslowicz, said she decided to make the career change "in her early 50s" to be part of something bigger.
"I'm a local as well, I'm in Hamitlon," she said. "I just thought it was great to see something like this in a smaller city. It's fantastic for its development and I wanted to be part of it all.
"Also to have, promote and encourage more women in this industry. Anyone can drive a tram, a tram doesn't know what you look like."
Mr Gladdish said he was most looking forward to "taking passengers".
"We've been training for so long on our own, so to be actually able to open the doors will be exciting," he said.
