SMU's and you

[mufreight]

That the Government has finally acknowledged that public transport is growing by ordering a further 58 three car sets is gratifing but at the same time there is at least one new SMU sitting in Brisbane set 261 and three more as yet to see their first passenger sitting at Maryborough rusting their wheels, sets 262, 263 and 264 with it is understood a further two sets complete still sitting in the builders yard sets 265 and 266.

It remains fact that sets 261 to 264 have been sitting for some two months and this $20.000.000 + of your money should be in service relieving the present overloads on the Ipswich and Shorncliffe lines.

The Minister for I dont know, Mr Mickel can not claim a shortage of drivers to crew them having recently released a media statement boasting the additional numbers of drivers avaliable (MX 28 May 2008) so why are these units not in service, the anouncement in the budget is great but it does not provied a single extra service or seat for commuters today, it would be a good put up or shut up subject to bring up with your local member and enough heat might get you a seat in the peak.

The announcement today is terrific but some meaningfull action now would have more credibility.

The provision of more track capacity needs to be undertaken now, it wont cost any less in ten years time when the system chokes, Corinda - Darra should be four tracks now not the bean counters three, Springfield should be a complete construction from the start and Petrie - Kippa-ring line which has to date been a Politians promise for over 100 years should be built now as should the line from Dutton Park, Gabba, Gardens Point, Central, Exhibition to Mayne

Time for some foresight rather than beancounting.

Cheers.

[ButFli]

Last I heard the new SMU's were having critical parts removed for use as spares in the IMU's that are already in service. The real question is why spares were not available.

[ozbob]

The SMUs might be on the move shortly.

[haakon]

source?

[ozbob]

Enthusiast 

[Mozz]

TTTE - Thomas

[mufreight]

Well Minister Mickel's train collection has been sitting idle so long that they would need to be moved so that the wheels do not rust to the rails, the question is will the move be under their own power and will they then be placed in service or will they be dragged to some other location out of sight to further extend their period of non use.
Having boasted in the media about the availabity of another 22 drivers there is no excuse not to place them into service now.
A good question for the Minister who on his past record will again know nothing. but you could ask your local member, enough questions from the electorate might create enough heat to get some action, after all elections are comming.
Cheers

[ozbob]

SMUs 262/263 might be moved to Brisbane this coming week.

Hopefully they can be introduced into service soon.

[ozbob]

An ATDB post reports that SMU 261/262 will be out and about testing soon.

Four other units parked at Maryborough - SMU 263/264/265/266

Cheers
Bob

[glossyblack]

At 1400 today, sets 263,264,265,266 in Maryborough yard, 266 has high scaffolding around front (maybe for panto fit?)
All wearing Citytrain over Translink brands
Cliff

[mufreight]

It has been reported that SMU 262 has joined 261 in Brisbane, and that they were anticipated to commence acceptance this weekend,
Have there been any sightings of these units at any time over the weekend in operation be it for acceptance trials, doing driver familiarisation or training or in actual service?
Cheers.