Oppostion Statement: Minister’s eyeballing fails to get trains on track

[ozbob]

http://www.fionasimpson.com.au/Pages/Article.aspx?ID=624

Minister's eyeballing fails to get trains on track

Monday, 7 December 2009

Queensland Rail's claims there were no systemic failures in the system are in doubt following recent massive delays for train commuters, the Opposition said today.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Main Roads Fiona Simpson said the Minister for Transport had better eyeball Queensland Rail bosses once again over repeated power, signals and train faults crippling the network.

"Another day and another delay — it's time the Minister and Queensland Rail came clean about the capabilities of this system.

"Sunday's seven hour shutdown was not a small inconvenience for the commuters left stranded in the baking sun.

"How many of those travellers have sworn off taking the train in the future?

"In mid-November the Minister apologised to the people of Queensland and assured Parliament there were no "systemic network issues" and that any action required would be taken to ensure delays would not happen again.

"Since then we have seen signal faults on multiple lines and power faults crippling the network.

"The Minister needs to get to the bottom of this issue and tell South East Queenslanders why they should pay more for a service that may or may not show up."