Redcliffe Peninsula line & associated changes - rail

[ozbob]

I understand that was around 50% of the staff in the centre.  It is also had an effect of increasing resignations as it appeared the future was not too bright.  Takes time to re-establish the loss of senior drivers.

[wbj]

I understand that was around 50% of the staff in the centre.  It is also had an effect of increasing resignations as it appeared the future was not too bright.  Takes time to re-establish the loss of senior drivers.

It would be interesting to know whose decision it was to cut the training area so significantly.  Was it directed by the  minister, the board or some executive.  Wonder if the information is retrievable under FOI.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Shortage of trainers upends Queensland Rail's driver recruitment plan

QUEENSLAND Rail has admitted it is woefully short of trainers to properly meet its own recruitment targets in the wake of the timetabling debacle.

The startling confession is a blow to Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe's promise just three days ago to immediately recruit another 100 drivers to deal with the staffing crisis, with QR unable to start that training until April 2018.

The new drivers and 100 new guards were to be recruited immediately, in addition to an identical recruitment drive announced last December. ...

But QR told The Courier-Mail its guard training schools were full until May 2017 and driver training schools were full through to April 2018. It has just 12 trainee guards and 33 trainee drivers on a 12-month course, and just 47 tutors, although seven more will start soon.

It means 108 people recruited since last December have not entered training schools.

"On the current timetable, all existing driver trainees will be competent by April 2018, and guards by August 2017," a spokeswoman said.

Asked how the organisation could meet the latest recruitment round considering the backlog, she said that was being examined.

The news comes as the Government today releases the terms of reference of a review into the crisis.

Rail Tram and Bus Union secretary Owen Doogan said the lack of trainers was a major factor.

"There are simply not enough trainers to train the people who have already been recruited, so recruiting more people won't help because they will all need to be trained," he said.

No recruits have been brought in from outside QR since Labor won the election, thanks to a system that favours internal applicants.

An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said a new work condition enforcing mandatory 20-minute breaks for all train drivers every 2½ hours had complicated the rosters.

"(It) was recently agreed to meet the diversification of Queensland Rail's train crew and allow women a comfort break after 2.5 hours," a QR spokeswoman confirmed.

Opposition Transport spokesman Andrew Powell accused the unions of "running the show".

[ozbob]

^ the impacts of the cuts lingers ..

The Newman Government was not concerned as their plan was to break up and franchise the Queensland Rail.  The thing that really grates with me is that it was ' secret ' and withheld from the public.  Very difficult to trust them, and this is just what they did with the BaT too - fiction in the end.

We now are wearing the full impacts of very dirty deceitful politics. ALP are no saints either but this confirms grave concerns with the LNP under the Newman regime.  Very hard to trust them.

Confirmation of the the new roster complication  that I identified that also had an impact on the overall situation.

The entire situation was the sum total of many issues.  Should it have been foreseen?  Possibly, and the inquiry will determine that.

[Stillwater]

Quote from comment section on CM website:

"The comfort break was included in the timetable when the train arrived at a terminus. Most terminus turn around times were fifteen to eighteen minutes allowing the drivers to change ends and partake of a comfort stop if one was needed. Then one boffin from upstairs [RAILWAY JARGON FOR 305 EDWARD ST] decided that if we give only six minutes [which is the minimum time it takes drivers to change ends correctly] at every terminus look at all the time we save so we can get more services for less drivers. I think that boffin is still employed and this happened twenty years ago. It is only when women started driving trains that they demanded a comfort stop."

[Arnz]

2 AM counter-peak Nambour services in the morning has 6-minute turnarounds at Nambour.  Leaving a very tight margin for unexpected/unscheduled "dance of the train" crossings or delays on the single track beyond Beerburrum.

Not sure if the 2 AM services involve a direct change of crew upon arrival at Nambour or if it's the same crew working the return service back as far as Caboolture (or further).

[BrizCommuter]

Quote from comment section on CM website:

"The comfort break was included in the timetable when the train arrived at a terminus. Most terminus turn around times were fifteen to eighteen minutes allowing the drivers to change ends and partake of a comfort stop if one was needed. Then one boffin from upstairs [RAILWAY JARGON FOR 305 EDWARD ST] decided that if we give only six minutes [which is the minimum time it takes drivers to change ends correctly] at every terminus look at all the time we save so we can get more services for less drivers. I think that boffin is still employed and this happened twenty years ago. It is only when women started driving trains that they demanded a comfort stop."

We'll it's not like women can pee in a bottle can they?

[Gazza]

Use a shewee ?

[petey3801]

I understand that was around 50% of the staff in the centre.  It is also had an effect of increasing resignations as it appeared the future was not too bright.  Takes time to re-establish the loss of senior drivers.

Those numbers also look like they don't include those who were 'demoted' (for lack of a better word) back to driver from Tutor/Trainer either.

[BrizCommuter]

Good to see that both the Courier Mail and Brisbane Times are onto the LNP avoiding questions over their role in the driver trainer shortage.

[ozbob]

Good to see that both the Courier Mail and Brisbane Times are onto the LNP avoiding questions over their role in the driver trainer shortage.

Thank you.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Rail driver shortage: LNP ducks question on whether trainer numbers fell

Queensland's Liberal National Party is refusing to say whether Queensland Rail trainer numbers fell while it was in power as it continues to attack the government for a driver shortage.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has ordered an inquiry into the staffing crisis that led to major service cancellations and commuter chaos last Friday, headed by former Rio Tinto executive Philip Strachan ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Shortage of trainers up-ends Queensland Rail's driver recruitment plan

OPPOSITION Transport spokesman Andrew Powell has refused to comment on whether cuts to Queensland Rail training staff under the Newman Government contributed to the timetable crisis.

QR claims 25 trainers were made redundant when the LNP were in power.

But in a trainwreck interview, Mr Powell would not answer repeated questions about whether the cuts occurred, instead denying there was ever a ministerial directive to axe the trainer positions. ...

[ozbob]

QR ceo Helen Gluer & Chair quit over SEQ commuter trian debacle @7NewsQueensland

— Patrick Condren (@PatrickCondren) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

Qld Rail CEO Helen Gluer has quit over SEQ train timetable fiasco @tennewsqld #qldpol

— Tegan George (@tegangeorge) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

CEO of QR and Board Chair have resigned it seems.

[ozbob]

CEO of QR and Board Chair have resigned it seems.

Not surprised, although a little disappointed of course.

But the bottom line is - shambles does cost.

[BrizCommuter]

BrizCommuter and Ozbob for new CEO and Board Chair? 

[ozbob]

Senior @QueenslandRail executives have quit over the train driver debacle. https://t.co/o1yrqH5UoV @PatrickCondren https://t.co/eoH7sPyYsN

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) October 27, 2016

[Fares_Fair]

Sorry and sad to see Ms Gluer resign after some 6 years of doing a sterling job at the helm of a massive organisation.
One mistake, no grace, no mercy.

She stepped in after Mr Glen Daw (also an excellent experienced CEO) stepped down for personal reasons.
This is the thanks she gets.

It was a confluence of events coming together to form a perfect storm.

I wish her all the very best for the future.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Rail chief executive and chairman resign

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> QR chiefs resign over train debacle

THE chair and chief executive of Queensland Rail have resigned from the board in the wake of the timetabling saga.

Chair Michael Klug and chief executive Helen Gluer stepped down following a meeting of the board today.

Mr Klug has held his position since October 2013.

A media conference on the development is expected to be held this afternoon.

Hundreds of service cancellations were announced last week, after a driver shortage forced the introduction of a new slimmed-down timetable.

The Government claims it was only made aware of the shortage last Thursday, and the following day about 100 services were cut, which caused delays for many commuters.

Ms Gluer has previously said it was ultimately her responsibility to ensure there were enough drivers but claimed no one from Queensland Rail briefed her about the potential problem until it was too late to prevent.

But Ms Gluer stood down QR's head of train service delivery on Tuesday.

QR did not train enough new drivers to accommodate the introduction of the new Redcliffe Peninsula Line earlier this month.

QR claims cuts to the number of training staff had contributed to fewer trainee drivers and guards completing the program before the opening of the new line than expected.

Ms Gluer had a salary of $665,000 and a total remuneration packages – including superannuation – of $734,000.

The resignation came as QR warned there may be "extensive impacts" to the interim timetable tomorrow that would force train travellers onto buses.

The last-minute changes are being again blamed on "resourcing issues".

Acting Chief Operations Officer Martin Ryan said there would likely be last-minute delays and cancellations throughout Friday.

"In the event of a higher than usual level of unplanned leave on Friday, there may be extensive impacts on service delivery," he said.

"We have planned alternative bus services across parts of the network if this eventuates."

He said resources had been severely stretched in recent weeks with driver training and additional services required by the implementation of a new timetable with the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line.

"On Tuesday, Queensland Rail moved to an interim timetable to deliver greater certainty for our customers and alleviate the strain until our driver training on the new Redcliffe Peninsula line is completed and we have new traincrew commence work as part of our recruitment program," Mr Ryan said.

"This has gone well with improved on time running the last two days, but I want to prepare customers that we may face further service alterations tomorrow.

"We will be advising our customers as soon as possible of any extra changes, but there may be delays or last minute changes and we would urge people to check the TransLink website to plan their journey."

He said QR realised it had not met commuters' expectations in recent weeks and was working to restore that trust.

[ozbob]

UPDATE: Heads have rolled at the very top of @QueenslandRail. @ShaneDoherty9 #9News https://t.co/QUPF4TrbZY

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

 

[ozbob]

DG Main Roads takes over QR #9News

— Shane Doherty (@ShaneDoherty9) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th October 2016

Resignation of Chairman QR Board and CEO QR

Greetings,

We would like to thank Mr Michael Klug AM formerly Chairman Queensland Rail Board, and Ms Helen Gluer formerly Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rail, for their years of service to Queensland and Queensland rail in their positions with Queensland Rail.

Thank you.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail executives Michael Klug and Helen Gluer resign

THE chair and chief executive of Queensland Rail have resigned from the board in the wake of the timetabling saga.

Chair Michael Klug and chief executive Helen Gluer stepped down following a meeting of the board today.

Mr Klug has held his position since October 2013.

Department of Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales has been appointed acting chief executive of Queensland Rail.

M Gluer said in her resignation letter to staff that her decision was not taken lightly.

"Clearly, we have not delivered in the last three weeks of our operation, which is disappointing given the high level of performance that we pride ourselves on and our commitment to delivering a first-class railway," she said.

"I have no doubt how hard so many of you are trying to deliver a solution to our current resourcing issues. When all is said and done, we must remember safety is the most important thing, so please continue to look out for each other."

Hundreds of service cancellations were announced last week, after a driver shortage forced the introduction of a new slimmed-down timetable.

The Government claims it was only made aware of the shortage last Thursday, and the following day about 100 services were cut, which caused delays for many commuters.

Ms Gluer has previously said it was ultimately her responsibility to ensure there were enough drivers but claimed no one from Queensland Rail briefed her about the potential problem until it was too late to prevent.

But Ms Gluer stood down QR's head of train service delivery on Tuesday.

QR did not train enough new drivers to accommodate the introduction of the new Redcliffe Peninsula Line earlier this month.

QR claims cuts to the number of training staff had contributed to fewer trainee drivers and guards completing the program before the opening of the new line than expected.

Ms Gluer had a salary of $665,000 and a total remuneration packages – including superannuation – of $734,000.
More train service pain

The resignation came as QR warned there may be "extensive impacts" to the interim timetable tomorrow that would force train travellers onto buses.

The last-minute changes are being again blamed on "resourcing issues".

Acting Chief Operations Officer Martin Ryan said there would likely be last-minute delays and cancellations throughout Friday.

"In the event of a higher than usual level of unplanned leave on Friday, there may be extensive impacts on service delivery," he said.

"We have planned alternative bus services across parts of the network if this eventuates."

Commuters have been told to continue to check the TransLink website for information on timetable changes tomorrow.

He said resources had been severely stretched in recent weeks with driver training and additional services required by the implementation of a new timetable with the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line.

"On Tuesday, Queensland Rail moved to an interim timetable to deliver greater certainty for our customers and alleviate the strain until our driver training on the new Redcliffe Peninsula line is completed and we have new traincrew commence work as part of our recruitment program," Mr Ryan said.

"This has gone well with improved on time running the last two days, but I want to prepare customers that we may face further service alterations tomorrow.

"We will be advising our customers as soon as possible of any extra changes, but there may be delays or last minute changes and we would urge people to check the TransLink website to plan their journey."

He said QR realised it had not met commuters' expectations in recent weeks and was working to restore that trust.
Gluer's parting words

Ms Gluer went on to praise the commitment of QR staff.

"My best memories are travelling to the regions to meet with our people who do fantastic work to maintain our assets and run the trains that connect the outback to our regional centres," she said.

"You are the sale of the earth and some of the best people I've had the pleasure of working with.

"For our people in South East Queensland, I thank you for your efforts and ability to achieve great things, such as the highest on-time running Queensland Rail ever achieved in its history, making us the highest performing railway on the east coast."

A statement by Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe noted an acting chief executive had been appointed following the resignation of Ms Gluer.

"Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads Neil Scales has been appointed acting Chief Executive Officer to replace Helen Gluer, who has tendered her resignation," it said.

It said he had the necessary experience to fulfil the temporary role.

"An international recruitment search for a fulltime CEO will be initiated," his statement said.

Mr Hinchliffe will meet with the acting chief executive tomorrow.
Review into failings

Mr Hinchliffe also announced a review of failings announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk this week will run for three months.

It will be headed by former Rio Tinto executive Phillip Strachan and he will be assisted by relevant experts.

Progress reports and finding will be provided throughout the three months.

The terms of reference for the Queensland Rail review will examine the circumstances leading up to the timetable crisis, such as the adequacy of rostering, recruitment, training; what lead to the lack of available train crews and when that information was known.

It will also look at the implementation of the plan announced by Mr Hinchliffe on October 24, which included measures such as starting a recruitment drive for an extra 100 drivers, deliver an interim timetable and working with staff to develop more flexible working arrangements.

[SurfRail]

There really wasn't going to be any other outcome.  They did what was necessary to remediate (as far as possible) the problems that came to a head, and then walked.  If not for the need to implement the timetable fixes they would have been gone last week.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/27/acting-ceo-for-queensland-rail-and-investigation-terms-of-reference-released

Media Statements
Minister for Transport and the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Acting CEO for Queensland Rail and investigation terms of reference released

An Acting Chief Executive Officer has been appointed to Queensland Rail following the resignation of Helen Gluer.

Director-General of the Department of Transport and Main Roads Neil Scales has been appointed acting Chief Executive Officer to replace Helen Gluer, who has tendered her resignation.

Neil joined the Queensland Public Sector in March 2012 as CEO of TransLink where he was responsible for leadership of the public transport network across Queensland. Prior to joining TransLink, Neil was the Chief Executive and Director-General of Merseytravel, the transport authority for Merseyside in the north of England. In this role, he was responsible for some 200 million passenger journeys per year by train, bus, ferries and through the 2 Mersey Tunnels.

An international recruitment search for a full-time CEO will be initiated.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe will be meeting with the acting CEO tomorrow.

The terms of reference for the investigation into the QR Train Crewing Practices, to be conducted by former Rio Tinto executive Philip Strachan, have been released.

Queensland Rail Train Crewing Practices Investigation

Terms of Reference

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has commissioned an independent investigation into Queensland Rail's failed implementation of the new timetable, associated with the opening the Redcliffe Peninsula line.

To ensure quick and decisive action was taken to address the situation, on 24 October 2016, Minister for Transport Stirling Hinchliffe announced a five point plan to restore Queensland Rail frontline services and delivery following the events. The five point plan requires Queensland Rail to:

    initiate the recruitment of an additional 100 drivers on 25 October 2016
    complete the recruitment and training of 100 additional drivers and 100 additional guards approved by the Government in November 2015
    deliver the interim timetable to minimise the disruption to the travelling public
    maintain the supply of train drivers by ensuring guards are stationed and trained on the Next Generation Rollingstock – providing a pipeline of future drivers with route knowledge
    work with its employees to develop more flexible working arrangements, including part-time arrangements – boosting the longevity of the existing workforce and creating driver roster flexibility

In order to ensure the circumstances surrounding the train crewing and timetabling are clearly understood and learnt from, a body of work will be undertaken to address the issues outlined above.

Scope

The work will cover two elements surrounding the current situation:

Circumstances leading up to and associated with the current disruptions to the CityTrain timetable:

        The adequacy of Queensland Rail scheduling, rostering, training crewing, recruitment and training practices, including arrangements put in place to support the new timetable that commenced 4 October 2016;
        What circumstances led to any inadequacies in part 1a;
        When deficits in train crew availability were known about and what action was taken ahead of the commissioning of the Redcliffe Peninsula line to address these issues; and
        The nature and suitability of actions taken by Queensland Rail once the train crewing issues manifested under the new timetable.

Implementation of the five point plan to restore timetabled services and public confidence in Queensland Rail timetabling:

    Progress with the recruitment and training of the additional 200 drivers (100 approved in November 2015, and 100 announced on 24 October 2016) and 200 additional guards (100 approved in November 2015, and 100 announced on 24 October 2016);
    Future demand and supply requirements for train crew, including for the crewing of New Generation Rollingstock;
    Ensuring the suitability of current and proposed Queensland Rail recruitment practices to address the issues in 2b;
    The development and delivery of the interim timetable; and
    The suitability of arrangements and timeframes to transition from the interim timetable to the full timetable.

Process

The review will be undertaken by Phillip Strachan, assisted by relevant experts.

Mr Strachan will obtain information from relevant sources.

The board and the CEO of Queensland Rail will retain accountability for the day to day operations of Queensland Rail.

Mr Strachan will be expected to interview a range of relevant parties in consultation with the board and the CEO.

Mr Strachan will report to the Premier, through the Director-General of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, for the purposes of this review.

The appointment for the investigation will be for a period of three months, and will provide progress reports and findings during that period.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Queensland Rail boss Helen Gluer, chairman Michael Klug resign over driver crisis

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Rail chief executive and chairman resign

Heads have rolled at Queensland Rail following the timetable and cancellation of the past week, with both the chairman and chief executive resigning on Thursday afternoon.

But that was not enough for the state opposition, which on Thursday night called for one more head to roll  – that of Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe.

The resignations came as QR warned of more service disruptions going into Friday.

A QR spokeswoman confirmed both chief executive Helen Gluer and chairman Michael Klug had resigned.

Mr Hinchliffe announced Department of Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales would replace Ms Gluer on an interim basis as an "international recruitment search" for her replacement was conducted.

It was unclear whether any statement would be forthcoming from the pair.

Thursday's resignations came just days after Mr Hinchliffe repeatedly refused to offer his support for Ms Gluer's tenure at a media conference on Monday.

They also came a day after QR's head of train service delivery was stood down on Thursday.

Opposition leader Tim Nicholls said while three QR personnel had "taken the fall" for the shambles, it was time Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk took action against her transport minister.

"This minister is so out of touch with the thousands of Queenslanders left stranded on platforms that he's still blaming everyone else for the stuff-up of stuff-ups," he said.

"It's unbelievable that we have a Premier who has failed the courage test and so far let this bungling minister off the hook and Queenslanders are paying the price.

"...When will Annastacia Palaszczuk finally have the guts to sack Stirling Hinchliffe and replace him with someone who's prepared to fix his mess?"

Ms Gluer last week took full responsibility for the debacle, which was the result of the Redcliffe Peninsula line opening without adequate staff to drive the services.

"This is my fault, this is Queensland Rail's fault and we had unrealistic expectations of what crewing we needed to actually deliver this timetable," she said last week.

Comment has been sought from both Mr Hinchliffe and the state opposition.

There were more than 100 cancellations last Friday due to the staffing shortage and an interim timetable came into effect on Tuesday, which saw 30 daily services cancelled.

QR acting chief operations officer Martin Ryan said commuters could expect further service alterations on Friday.

"On Tuesday, Queensland Rail moved to an interim timetable to deliver greater certainty for our customers and alleviate the strain until our driver training on the new Redcliffe Peninsula line is completed and we have new train crew commence work as part of our recruitment program," he said.

"This has gone well with improved on time running the last two days, but I want to prepare customers that we may face further service alterations tomorrow.

"In the event of a higher than usual level of unplanned leave on Friday, there may be extensive impacts on service delivery."

Mr Ryan said QR had planned alternative bus services across parts of the network if that scenario played out.

"We will be advising our customers as soon as possible of any extra changes, but there may be delays or last minute changes and we would urge people to check the Translink website to plan their journey," he said.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> QR heads roll but commuter chaos worsens

TRAIN commuters are set for more chaos today, potentially being forced on to buses because of another crippling driver shortage only a day after Queensland Rail's top two executives quit over the timetabling saga.

Chief executive Helen Gluer and board chairman Michael Klug yesterday fell on their swords after a lengthy board meeting and as QR publicly admitted high levels of "unplanned leave" by drivers would probably cause "extensive impacts" on services today.

But Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe was nowhere to be seen, cancelling a press conference in which he had been expected to ­address the resignations and explain how QR had again been caught by surprise exactly a week after it cancelled more than 100 services.

The Opposition seized on Mr Hinchliffe's no-show to demand that the State Government take responsibility for the transport chaos.

"Three QR personnel have now taken the fall and Stirling Hinchliffe doesn't even have the guts to turn up and answer questions," ­Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said yesterday.

"This Minister is so out of touch with the thousands of Queenslanders left stranded on platforms that he's still blaming everyone else for the stuff-up of stuff-ups.

"We have a rail network in crisis, more cuts to services and neither the Minister nor (Premier) Annastacia Palaszczuk are prepared to face the media or take ­responsibility."

But his Opposition colleague, transport spokesman Andrew Powell, refused to comment on whether the cutting of 25 trainers when the Newman government was in power contributed to the timetable crisis by reducing QR's ability to train driver and guard recruits.

The board resignations led to former Labor transport minister John Mickel – who himself oversaw several QR bungles when in government – being installed by the departing Mr Klug as the board's acting chair.

It is understood the Government plans to appoint a new interim chair today who does not currently sit on the QR board.

Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales will be acting chief executive ahead of an international recruitment search and will hold talks with Mr Hinchliffe today.

The resignations follow the first scalp on Tuesday when QR's head of train service delivery was stood down for not acting on warnings over potential issues.

Meanwhile, acting chief operations officer Martin Ryan urged Brisbane commuters to check the TransLink website for last-minute delays and cancellations throughout today.

"In the event of a higher than usual level of unplanned leave on Friday, there may be extensive impacts on service delivery," Mr Ryan said.

"We have planned alternative bus services across parts of the network if this eventuates."

The Courier-Mail understands the "unplanned leave" at the centre of today's problems relates to rostering issues caused by so many drivers covering other shifts, which meant they were now unable to work their rostered shift today.

No train crews can work 12 consecutive days because of safety restrictions.

Rail Tram and Bus Union state secretary Owen Doogan said he had been working with QR to have as many drivers available as possible.

STAFFING ISSUES ON THE TABLE FOR REVIEW

GOVERNMENT delays in replacing departing Queensland Rail board members, which meant it ran understaffed for an entire year, will be open for examination as part of a review into the timetabling mess.

Analysis by The Courier-Mail has found the board had one or two vacancies for 12 months before three appointees were announced on October 1 to get it back to its seven-member target.

Treasurer Curtis Pitt would not rule out that the vacancies had contributed to the board's poor handling of driver staffing levels and timetabling.

His office confirmed that question will be open for the review to consider. "On the question regarding any link between board composition and the current issues, there is a wide-ranging investigation under way, overseen by the director-general of the Department of Premier and Cabinet and it will if necessary have the capacity to consider those type of matters," a spokesman said.

It came as the Government announced its review, headed by former Rio Tinto executive Phillip Strachan, would run for three months and provide progress reports and findings during that time.

The terms of reference, released yesterday, show its focus will be what circumstances led to the timetabling crisis and what action was taken once QR realised it didn't have the staff to service its new schedule. The adequacy of QR's scheduling, rostering, training, crewing and recruitment will also be examined.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th October 2016

LNP do not  understand differences between Springfield and Redcliffe lines

Good Morning,

Just to point out the opening of Springfield line was not anything like the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line (RPL).

The setting up of the Springfield line timetable was actually done in 2011, when the new sector one timetable was done in June 2011 under the Bligh Government.  Commissioning the Springfield line was just a simple extension from Richlands.  The LNP clearly do not understand the significant differences.

Springfield Central was just an extension from Richlands, relatively short.  The hard yards, new signalling and training Corinda <> Darra West and onto the Branch and Darra and through to Richlands was already done under the previous ALP government.  Route familiarisation from Richlands <> Springfield <> Springfield Central is not complicated by contrast and was straightforward.  Extra trains or crew were not required.

The RPL involved a whole raft of changes for not only the branch but Lawnton <> Petrie and changed track arrangements through Petrie etc.  Crew route readiness training was delayed due to late completion of the project, particularly at Petrie.

Chalk and cheese the two projects and level of training required.  There was plenty of time for crew route readiness for the section Richlands <> Springfield Central, no problems with access as in the case of RPL.

The LNP did manage to butcher the Springfield Central railway though, they took out the bicycle path from Ellen Grove to Springfield Central and setup the extended rail line with worst feeder bus arrangements in the Nation for a new suburban railway.

Best wishes
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

Latest: @LNPQLD do not understand differences between Springfield and Redcliffe lines
> https://t.co/iHvwYW0TRY#qldpol@TimNichollsMP pic.twitter.com/QFI2FsgDVo

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) October 27, 2016

[ozbob]

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forcustomers/otr/dailyotr

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Queensland Rail driver shortage a 'mess'

The Queensland Rail driver shortage has been a "mess", Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says, while deflecting questions on whether he should resign.

His admission came on Friday, a day after QR chief executive Helen Gluer and board chairman Michael Klug resigned.

Sunwater Limited chief executive officer Nicole Hollows would be appointed interim chair of the Queensland Rail board.

Mr Hinchliffe said there was no question the problems with Queensland Rail "had been a mess".

"We haven't seen the reliability of service that our customers rightfully have come to expect," he said.

"What I've been focused on is cleaning up the mess."

A shortage of train drivers on the network following the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line culminated in the cancellation of 100 services on Friday, October 21.

Department of Transport and Main Roads director-general Neil Scales will replace Ms Gluer on an interim basis as her replacement is found.

The head of train service delivery was also stood down earlier this week over the bungle.

Mr Hinchliffe said Ms Gluer and Mr Klug independently made the decision to resign on Thursday.

"I can assure you, I did not ask either of them to resign," he said.

"We have a clean slate for the leadership team to work with me on fixing this mess.

"Where mistakes have been made, those people who are responsible have taken that responsibility."

When it was pointed out that there was not a "clean slate" if Mr Hinchliffe was still in his job, the Transport Minister said: "I have been tasked by the Premier to work on cleaning this mess up, that's 100 per cent my focus".

Mr Hinchliffe said the board was aware of concerns with the amount of unplanned leave, or "sickies", being taken.

"The concern that the board was expressing, and rightly so, was about the confluence of the impact of the 12th-day issue and the experience that we do see unexpected absences on Fridays," he said.

Train crews cannot work 12 consecutive days due to safety restrictions.

On-time service had dropped to 91 per cent in October, Mr Hinchliffe said.

Mr Scales said 96.7 per cent of services were on time during Friday's morning peak.

He said he was "happy to do the job" after being appointed acting chief executive officer, but could not answer more detailed questions as he had only just stepped into the role.

Mr Scales said he would meet with staff on Friday and trade unions on Monday.

He said he could not say how long the interim timetable would be in place.

"I can't give you a timetable on the timetable until I get there," Mr Scales said.

Under the interim timetable for Monday to Thursday, there would be cancellation of 30 services and the alteration or partial cancellation of 11 other services.

On Fridays, 32 services would be cancelled and 21 would be altered or partially cancelled.

Mr Scales encouraged commuters to check the TransLink website for details about services.

Former Rio Tinto executive Philip Strachan was conducting an investigation into the Queensland Rail train crewing practices.

[Gazza]

Neil Scales is who you want in the drivers seat.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail: Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe warned about driver shortage in early March

TRANSPORT Minister Stirling Hinchliffe was warned about looming driver shortage issues in early March by a rail advocate in an email to his office.

The Minister has insisted as the train timetable debacle unfolded that he had always been advised that everything was on track.

However, an email from Queensland resident Paul Pluta to Mr Hinchliffe on March 4 reveals he was at least warned about the issue of driver numbers, driver training and overtime concerns.

That email, with the subject line "QR safety concerns", was sent to both Mr Hinchliffe's electorate address and that listed as his ministerial address on the Parliament website.

Mr Pluta wrote: "(I'd) like to express my concern that Brisbane train drivers and guards are working on average about 30% over time ..."

He also went on to note that if drivers and guards are working significant amounts of overtime, "you are clearly short of drivers or rotting of the system is going on".

"I think you will find the over time number is significantly higher since the ALP government was elected," Mr Pluta wrote.

In the March email, he also accurately predicted that the opening of the Moreton Bay Rail Link would be delayed by months and that there would be signalling issues.

"I was going to raise your departments comment that Morton bay rail will be opened my mid 2016, good luck with that, (you're) at least 6 months out ... how is the signalling commissioning going, all up to scratch I bet (Not) Good luck announcing the delay on that."

About two months later, Mr Hinchliffe announced that the MBRL opening would have to be pushed back as a result of concerns relating to signalling.

Mr Pluta also raises concerns about how the Government plans to find enough drivers to operate its New Generation Rollingstock.

"I can not work out how this problem is going to be solved when the New Gen trains have arrived (Or some of them) and you don't have one driver trained to drive them," he wrote.

He later adds: "Now there is a story for the press 'New Trains, No drivers'. Your current drivers cant drive the trains, and you need 60 more and you have not even begun training, your

department said we would see those services running in 2016 and it takes at least 12 months to train a new driver, the equipment to train the drivers on the new trains is not even installed."

The Brisbane resident, who describes himself as both a longtime rail enthusiast and an advocate for improved public transport outcomes, wrote that he was concerned about potential "short cuts" taken by the department and "fatigued drivers".

Mr Pluta received a response from Mr Hinchliffe's chief of staff, dated March 30.

The letter acknowledged his concerns and assured him that "safety is Queensland Rail's number one priority".

"In relation to your concerns about train drivers and guards working overtime, Queensland Rail has advised that strict fatigue standards are in place to ensure that rosters, and any offered overtime, comply with Queensland Rail's fatigue standards ... and also comply with the provisions of the train crew agreement," the letter states.

"This, in turn, forms part of Queensland Rail's accreditation which is approved by the rail regulator."

The letter also notes: "Furthermore, Queensland Rail has undertaken recruitment for additional train crew in anticipation of the arrival of the new generation rolling stock."

Mr Pluta's email was also sent to the email addresses of some senior Opposition figures, though it is unknown whether they made any attempt to act on the information or pursue the matter with Mr Hinchliffe.

PAUL PLUTA'S EMAIL TO STIRLING HINCHLIFFE

To: Assistant Minister ; "lordmayor@brisbane.qld.gov.au" ; Deputy Premier ; "surfers.paradise@parliament.qld.gov.au" ; "southern.downs@parliament.qld.gov.au" ; Indooroopilly Electorate Office ; Ministerial & Executive ; "transport@ministerial.qld.gov.au" ; "Sandgate@parliament.qld.gov.au" ; "South.Brisbane@parliament.qld.gov.au" ; "Maroochydore@parliament.qld.gov.au"

Sent: Friday, 4 March 2016, 7:49

Subject: QR Safety Concerns

Hon Stirling Hintchcliffe

Dear Minister,

I have refereed my concerns before to you about the safety standards and maintenance practises of Queensland rail but they have fallen on deaf ears.

Firstly Id like to express my concern that Brisbane train drivers and guards are working on average about 30% over time, I assume fatigue limits are closely monitored or is your safety equipment so good that the occasional nod off at the throttle is ok. If that's your policy, you may like to ask the families of the Waterfall incident in NSW for their opinion.

Surely if drivers and guards are working 30% over time, you are clearly short of drivers or rotting of the system is going on, I think you will find the over time number is significantly higher since the ALP government was elected

I can not work out how this problem is going to be solved when the New Gen trains have arrived (Or some of them) and you dont have one driver trained to drive them, can you also confirm the trains were certified by a suitability qualified person as a representative of your department before they were moved on Queensland track.

I understand Queensland Rail need 60 plus. Now there is a story for the press "New Trains, No drivers". Your current drivers cant drive the trains, and you need 60 more and you have not even begun training, your department said we would see those services running in 2016 and it takes at least 12 months to train a new driver, the equipment to train the drivers on the new trains is not even installed.

I was going to raise your departments comment that Morton bay rail will be opened my mid 2016, good luck with that, your at least 6 months out, how is the signalling commissioning going, all up to scratch I bet (Not) Good luck announcing the delay on that.

Minister as a frequent rail traveller I am concerned for my safety, not from the thugs who ride the system, but from short cuts your department is taking, fatigued drivers, Trains not certified to be on track, and who knows where your maintenance regime is now Aurizon has closed down you heavy repair facilities.

Any announcements you make about rail are fictions and bogus it would appear, rail safety has clearly taken a back seat for the sake of expediency

I look forward to your response.

Paul Pluta

[ozbob]

I listened to an interview on 4BC with Minister Hinchliffe and Ben Davis this afternoon. 

The correspondence ^ above was discussed.  The advice he says he received is what is stated from Queensland Rail.

Overtime of 10% I think is not that uncommon in railways but once you go above that probably too high.

The Minister said they are looking at options to improve retention and look at part-time options as well to perhaps provide some job flexibility and improve retention.  They also have an issue with an aging train crew demographic.  Many will be able to retire in the not to distant future.

There are qualified rail drivers in the broader community who could be tempted to apply for a driver position if fast-tracked.  A special limited intake of such drivers could go some way to improving the overall train crew numbers  quickly.   Ex Aurizon drivers for example.  Many of these people would have many of the skills/qualifications and could be trained quicker than the normal internal guard > driver routine I would expect.  Food for thought.

[ozbob]

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe says he won&#39;t be taking responsibility for the train timetable debacle #7News https://t.co/2PyDdIWQlh

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) October 28, 2016