RAIL - Back On Track Forum

 

New PN electric 7112 being hauled from Port of Brisbane to Moolobin to be attached to a northbound PN freighter for the journey north to Yukan for commissioning.





Photographs mufreight 16th October 2009

Ozbob - you're probably already run off your feet and I know it's easy for people like me to sit back and give "advice", but, if ever you want to turn your mind to it, here's an idea, with the new Queensland Rail now up and running, the time has come to really LIFT the profile of TRAVELTRAIN community lobbying - I sense some real community pressure is needed on help sharpen political eyes to ENHANCE, not just sustain TRAVELTRAINS long term GROWTH not just survival.  I know some good things are happening, but I do have some real concerns for TRAVELTRAIN, if public pressure isn't heaped on the pollies.  In a nutshell, TRAVELTRAIN has been running in neutral for too long.

A few possible ideas, declare 2011 or 2012 "The BOT Year of Traveltrain" or say a month "The BOT Month of Traveltrain" - really promote a TRAVELTRAIN page - such as this - giving it the site position it needs to get the forum input needed.  Backontrack and yourself have made a HUGE contributions to the considerable growth of urban rail awareness in SE Qld (and wider regions)  - TRAVELTRAIN also now needs a kick along!    Thanks in advance for any thoughts you might have!

Well, maybe QR could start with a review of its conditions of travel on Traveltrains:

Currently, QR:

Says it won't be liable for any error or misprint in any of its brochures and publicity material.

States that while carriage of the passenger is between the stations stated on the ticket, stopping places may change and the passenger need not be notified of the change.

Denies any obligation, apart from making 'reasonable efforts', to get you where you want to go.  Here is a direct quote: '... The Operator (QR) shall have no obligation to ensure passengers reach their destination by any specific time or by the mode of carriage stated in the ticket.'

Reserves the right to change the price of the ticket after you have bought it and refuse you coming aboard if you don't pay the difference between the price paid and any new fare that's set after purchase but before travel by train.

May refuse to carry a passenger's luggage without giving reasons.  Luggage shall be deemed unacceptable by its condition, weight (not specified), shape or if it chirps.

May, without notice, substitute the carriage or service to one not stated on the ticket, and need not notify the passenger.

Says it will not be liable for any variation to the arrival and departure time.

Can vary your booking without notice and won't compensate passengers for any resultant 'mental distress'.

Allows for porters to carry a passenger's bags, but this shall be at the passenger's expense.

Says it will not be liable for any damage to luggage caused by the operation of trolleys it provides.

States that a passenger must produce a valid ticket to check in luggage, but the checked-in baggage can be handed to anyone at the destination, without liability.

It makes you wonder, should a Minister of Religion see off every service with a short prayer and the words: 'May God bless and safe passage all who travel aboard'.

I think you'll find that similar conditions to most of those would apply to an airline ticket.  One time at BNE domestic flyers heading to Maroochydore had to be diverted to BNE and then bussed to MCY.  It's that sort of thing they are concerned about.

Although the bit about being allowed to vary the price is pretty rude.

Quote from: Stillwater on May 21, 2011, 16:39:10 PM
Well, maybe QR could start with a review of its conditions of travel on Traveltrains:

Currently, QR:

Says it won't be liable for any error or misprint in any of its brochures and publicity material.

States that while carriage of the passenger is between the stations stated on the ticket, stopping places may change and the passenger need not be notified of the change.

Denies any obligation, apart from making 'reasonable efforts', to get you where you want to go.  Here is a direct quote: '... The Operator (QR) shall have no obligation to ensure passengers reach their destination by any specific time or by the mode of carriage stated in the ticket.'

Reserves the right to change the price of the ticket after you have bought it and refuse you coming aboard if you don't pay the difference between the price paid and any new fare that's set after purchase but before travel by train.

May refuse to carry a passenger's luggage without giving reasons.  Luggage shall be deemed unacceptable by its condition, weight (not specified), shape or if it chirps.

May, without notice, substitute the carriage or service to one not stated on the ticket, and need not notify the passenger.

Says it will not be liable for any variation to the arrival and departure time.

Can vary your booking without notice and won't compensate passengers for any resultant 'mental distress'.

Allows for porters to carry a passenger's bags, but this shall be at the passenger's expense.

Says it will not be liable for any damage to luggage caused by the operation of trolleys it provides.

States that a passenger must produce a valid ticket to check in luggage, but the checked-in baggage can be handed to anyone at the destination, without liability.

It makes you wonder, should a Minister of Religion see off every service with a short prayer and the words: 'May God bless and safe passage all who travel aboard'.

What is the time factor (if any) allowed for this condition shown in bold, can a ticket be bought 12 months in advance e.g. ?


Regards,
Fares_Fair.

It is not stated.  Nor is it stated what the maximum weight of one bag should be.  (This is there for OH&S reasons.)  However, by stating the max weight, passengers could have a guide to packing their bags accordingly.  We don't know what 'reasonable efforts' are.  Again, a bit of clarification would be helpful.

Quote from: Stillwater on May 21, 2011, 17:43:18 PM
It is not stated.  Nor is it stated what the maximum weight of one bag should be.  (This is there for OH&S reasons.)  However, by stating the max weight, passengers could have a guide to packing their bags accordingly.  We don't know what 'reasonable efforts' are.  Again, a bit of clarification would be helpful.

Actually that one is also a fair point, although I'd expect that airlines also have a clause that they can refuse carriage of baggage for any reason.  But guidance would be useful.  The way it is worded it is up to the man on the spot.

Speed on the 3'6" : Queensland Rail Tilt Train : Australian trains and railroads

QuoteThe Brisbane - Rockhampton tilt EMU on the approach to Bundaberg at a speed that looks pretty much like the imperial ton.....100mph . Not bad work for a 3'6" gauge railway.

South of Maryborough West the Tilts average less than 80 km/hr due to tight curves and operational deficiencies.  Previous govt plan for passenger trains to coasts 'capable of doing 160 km/hr' is true as far as it goes, except the track won't let them travel at that speed.  An upgraded track (duplication to Nambour, ironed out kinks at selected locations further north) is the way to go, but no money from Bligh, no money now from Newman.   

Dennison St Rockhampton
http://youtu.be/BM_zaqTEr4Y

The Inlander with track geometry car arriving/leaving Mt Isa
http://youtu.be/nyKw3OorskA

An acid train nearing Mt Isa
http://youtu.be/uTpOM0bfSRE

Departing ACR with Three Locos

https://www.youtube.com/embed/8PDsDy9tX88

NR48 leads a three loco lashup on train No. 7BM4 at Acacia Ridge, Brisbane. Sat 24 Nov 2012 - 17:20Hrs

The Year That Was - 2012

Couriermail --> Aurizon coal train driver reports near miss with crop duster plane east of Dalby

ABC News --> Skilled Queensland-based train manufacturers finish up work

QuoteThe last 19 Queensland-based employees of one of the world's largest train companies will finish work today, with its Maryborough manufacturing base closing down after nearly four decades.

Canadian company Bombardier Transport manufactures 33 per cent of the world's trains.

At its peak in the late 1970s and 1980s the company employed about 100 skilled workers at its Maryborough base.

In the past few decades the company has carried out contracts for Queensland Rail, Victorian Transport and West Rail.

Earlier in the year the company cited the increasing costs of manufacturing in Australia for its closure.

Redundancies were handed down in April and August this year, with the remaining workers to finish up today, along with its supply of trains for Western Australia Transport ...

Twitter

ATSB ‏@atsbinfo 42s

Derailment of freight train near Julia Creek, Qld on 27 December 2015.

Preliminary report: http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2015/rair/ro-2015-028/ ...

^

The Chronicle --> Coal train derails, blocks rail line east of Toowoomba

QuoteA recovery mission is under way to clear a rail line after a train derailed east of Toowoomba.

Rail authorities are investigating after the lead engine of an empty coal train ran off the tracks about 7.15am.

An Aurizon spokeswoman said the company was working with Queensland Rail to clear the tracks and determine the cause.

"At approximately 7.15am, a single lead locomotive of an empty coal train derailed on the West Moreton line between Holmes and Spring Bluff," the spokeswoman said.

"There were no injuries and the locomotive remains upright.

"The cause of the incident is being investigated.

"Aurizon is working with the network owner, Queensland Rail, to recommence services as soon as possible."

It would be interesting to hear why Aurizon won't consider transporting the goods.

If they won't do it, perhaps another operator can? Open access arrangement isn't it?

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forbusiness/the-regional-network/mount-isa-line-system

QR seem to be placing conditions in that area:

QuoteQueensland Rail will continue to deliver capacity enhancements for future projects provided that contracted tonnages are:

Sufficient to justify the necessary capital investment on commercial terms
Adequate notice is given from the time of contracting capacity to deliver the required enhancements.
Rail operators, mining companies and/or processors are encouraged to engage with Queensland Rail at the earliest possible opportunity.

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2017/2017_05_09_DAILY.pdf

9th May 2017 Questions without notice

Rail Freight

Mr KATTER: My question without notice is to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and
Minister for Infrastructure and Planning. Given that a number of mining users on the Mount
Isa-Townsville rail line have started to shift freight from rail to road, will the Deputy Premier acknowledge
that competitive rail freight costs are a key industry enabler in the north-west minerals province? In
doing so, will the government commit to reducing the prices it charges customers on this line to support
industry and jobs in the region?

Ms TRAD: I thank the member for Mount Isa for the question. He has been very vocal about this
issue and has been through my door on a number of occasions to express his deep concern in relation
to modal shift away from rail to road for commodity transportation.

For the benefit of the House in answering the House, I advise that Queensland Rail's access
charges for the Mount Isa line cover the operating, maintenance and capital renewal costs of providing
this service and that the costs are necessary to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of the system.
Queensland Rail's provision of rail access, including pricing principles, is regulated by the Queensland
Competition Authority. Importantly, Queensland Rail cannot provide different prices to different
operators for the same commodity in the same geographic location, unless there are differences in the
costs or the risks of providing the service. The charges cover the cost, and there is no unreasonable
profitability being charged on this line as it is regulated.

We know that if those opposite—today they have distinguished themselves in their puerile
behaviour and their pathetic strategy—had been in charge, this rail line and the Port of Townsville would
have been sold. I am advised that Queensland Rail has not increased the intermodal freight charge on
the Mount Isa line since June 2010, except in line with the Consumer Price Index.

I am aware that some operators have made commercial decisions regarding commodity transport
in the region. I am advised that at the end of January this year Aurizon ceased its daily intermodal—
Mr Millar interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Member for Gregory, I can hear you loudly from your seat. You will be warned
under standing order 253A if you persist.

Ms TRAD: I am advised that at the end of January this year Aurizon ceased its daily intermodal
freight service between Townsville and Mount Isa as a result of losing the Glencore intermodal
business. The remaining volumes were too small to support the cost of a daily service. This was a
commercial decision based on a loss of contract. I understand that Glencore has made a decision to
enter into an arrangement with Pacific National and that Pacific National operated its first intermodal
rail service on 3 March this year and only recently has been able to operate with a full complement of
25 intermodal wagons per train. Queensland Rail has been working with Glencore and Pacific National
to find ways of increasing the number of services, but availability of rolling stock has been a barrier to
Glencore increasing its freight service.

It is important to note that we are also looking at non-price options to improve the attractiveness
of rail transport, including increasing the loading gauge between Stuart and Mount Isa, promoting the
establishment of common user intermodal terminals and encouraging new low-cost rail operators to
enter the market.

(Time expired)

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/888301482608545793

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/888318578625085440

The Chronicle --> Authorities probe cause of coal train derailment

QuoteInvestigations are continuing into the cause of a freight train derailment which closed a rail line and suspended services west of Toowoomba.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is working with Queensland Rail after 18 coal wagons derailed between Oakey and Jondaryan on Friday.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said the cause of the Aurizon train derailment was currently under investigation.

"The train was loaded and travelling towards the Port of Brisbane carrying 41 wagons, 18 of which derailed," he said.

"All freight and passenger services through the area are currently suspended.

"The Westland that was in service terminated at Dalby, and buses transported customers to Brisbane.

"We are currently working with the rail operator, police and the ATSB to conduct an investigation into the cause and planning recovery and repair works."

About 300m of the rail line will need to be repaired or replaced, and the loaded coal wagons are yet to be recovered.

The line remains closed and as a result caused the Westlander passenger service to be terminated at Dalby with travellers bussed east on Saturday.

According to 7 News, the derailment was caused by a kink in the line.

The train driver escaped without injury ...

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889620444428611584

https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/889973175936626688

Couriermail --> Queensland weather: Long-distance rail services impacted by storms

QuoteA TRAIN full of people were stranded for more than five hours south of Bundaberg last night after destructive weather affected Queensland Rail services.

Jayden Kiss told the Bundaberg News-Mail the Brisbane-Rockhampton train was stuck 12km outside of Bundaberg for five hours with passengers given no real idea on what was happening.

"It was very frustrating," Mr Kiss said.

"(Staff) said they didn't know whether to wait for the water to go down or head back to Maryborough.

"Then one person on board had type-1 diabetes and didn't have the medication she needed and they decided to stay and a car managed to get to us."

He said the train was supposed to arrive in Gladstone at 5pm yesterday but, after delays, a bus trip and a taxi, Mr Kiss got home at about 2am this morning.

"I don't know how many people in total, but there were five carriages and ours was basically full," he said.

"Some people who were on there way to Townsville had to stay in Bundy over night, I think.

"I was supposed to work, but have had to call in because no one should be working on two hours sleep, which isn't a good look on me after a long weekend."

Mr Kiss said he knows the people on board couldn't do anything about the flash flooding but he wants better communication so people can make arrangements and be kept up to date.

Meanwhile, major disruptions are still being experienced across Queensland Rail's long-distance network due to yesterday's freak storm in Bundaberg.

This morning's Rockhampton-Brisbane tilt train due to depart at 7.10am was meant to arrive at Bundaberg at 10.05am.

The service will now begin at Bundaberg station at 2.05pm, with passengers north of the Rum City being bussed in.

The Brisbane-Rockhampton tilt train meant to depart Roma St at 11am was delayed, as will be the Brisbane-Rockhampton service due to leave Roma St at 4.55pm.

This morning's 5.15am tilt train from Bundaberg to Roma St was meant to depart at 5.15am, but instead began at 7.50am at Gympie North with passengers bussed in.

The southbound Bundaberg-Brisbane tilt train is running normally.

Frustrated, tired and without much communication, one passenger stuck on a train outside of Bundaberg last night said they were stuck in the middle of Bundy and Maryborough for hours.

Yesterday's weather has also affected the Spirit of Queensland and Spirit of the Outback routes.

The Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns is running five-and-a-half hours late.

The service that left Cairns at 9am yesterday terminated at Rockhampton at 1am this morning, with passengers being bussed south.

The Spirit of the Outback that departed from Longreach heading to Brisbane on Monday is running six hours late, while tonight's Brisbane-Longreach service due to depart Roma St at 6.10pm may be delayed.

Roads and Infrastructure --> QLD Gov invest $42M to replace timber rail bridges

QuoteFunding from the Queensland Government is going towards replacing 18 timber rail bridges between Townsville and Cairns.

The $46 million dollar investment aims to improve the safety and longevity of the line and create jobs for the local construction industries.

Minister for Transport Mark Bailey said the project would provide a welcome boost to the North Queensland construction industry, with upcoming opportunities to tender for the package of work.

"Queensland Rail will host an industry briefing for local businesses in Townsville on 26 April and in Cairns on 27 April, to talk through the upcoming tenders," Mr Bailey said.

"The three tender packages will be grouped according to the height of the bridges and the complexity of the replacement works.

"Following the release of the tenders this month, we anticipate that the works will commence in September this year, and be progressively completed until late 2020."

Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy said the bridges, which are located south of Cardwell to El Arish, would be replaced with steel and concrete structures.

"The elimination of these old timber bridges from the North Coast line will significantly improve the reliability of the line, and reduce required maintenance," Mr Easy said.

"The timber bridges currently require a high level of maintenance, due to the landscape of the area which is often subject to conditions such as flooding, alongside large outlays associated with the maintenance works and timber sourcing.

"The upgrade works will not only be a more cost-effective solution in the long-term, but improve the overall safety and reliability of our network."

"We are committed to providing our customers with a safe and reliable rail network, and improving our infrastructure through future-proofing initiatives such as the replacement of these timber bridges."

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/986745176902189056

^^ Pretty sure this can't happen without cross river rail first, which only RED TEAM is funding. 😂

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1009976862230003712

And what happens when the 1km-long trains get to Rocky?  They are broken down into shorter trains?  :conf

Hopefully cut in half with one of them being electrically hauled. 

https://twitter.com/MarkBaileyMP/status/1016158476152664065