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Melbourne train driver comforted by passengers after almost hitting pedestrian

A Melbourne train driver was comforted after she apologised to her passengers for the train being delayed after she almost hit a pedestrian on Thursday morning.

Court Backman was hugged by her passengers after she tearfully told them of the near miss on the Frankston Line express train.

She said a pedestrian had dashed through a level crossing at about 8.15am.

Ms Backman, second from left, was overwhelmed when her passengers started hugging her. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid
Ms Backman, second from left, was overwhelmed when her passengers started hugging her. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid

“I’ve been on since 2am, I get it,” she said over the PA system.

“I want to get you guys to work. I want to go home myself,” The Herald Sun reported her saying.

“Nobody needs to tap their watches or clap their hands ... you don’t know why the trains are running late."

Ms Backman described the tough situation over the PA system. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid
Ms Backman described the tough situation over the PA system. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid

“I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry for the fact we are running so late.

“Like I said, be grateful for the fact this train even ran ...”

Ms Backman thanked her passenges for remaining calm and said it isn't easy in these situations.

She began to tear up when speaking about these types of instances.

Passengers rallied around Ms Backman in support. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid
Passengers rallied around Ms Backman in support. Source: Twitter / @aaronlangmaid

“To everybody who has been lovely and hasn’t decided to do all these passive aggressive things or get on the PA and abuse me, you’ve been fantastic I truly appreciate and thank you very much for your patience.”

In these situations, a driver can chose to seek a relief driver immediately but Ms Backman was determined to continue on.