Queensland Rail

[Otto]

New operator please!

Three years is enough time to draw the obvious conclusion... It's not working.

Time to call for expressions of interest in operating SEQ trains.

3 years ago, I would never have agreed with you..

Now, after waiting all this time, I have to agree.

Our once proud Queensland Rail has been more or less trashed to oblivion by successive incompetent governments .

In my youth, I would go interstate and travel on the suburban systems and think, our Queensland Rail is a much nicer system with clean trains compared to the state of trains in our southern cities.

Now I go interstate and travel on the trains and think of how clean, comfortable and quiet they are. Our Queensland Rail seem to be operating a system akin to that of a third world country, and we are expected to be thankful for the filthy presentation of this abomination of a train service. Maybe my sentiment is a bit strong, but that's how I feel about our suburban system.

[ozbob]

Happy 2019 Otto!

Yes, it is sad to see I agree the present state of our rail.  I am off to Adelaide tomorrow, and then onto Melbourne.

I have been to Perth twice in the last few years.  Same gauge, same trains in part, it is simply a class above.  What impresses me about Transperth besides the frequency (all lines 15 minutes out of peak) is the ' no-fuss ' attitude.  It just happens. 

Let's hope there are improvements in 2019 on the Citytrain network.

[techblitz]

hi @otto

Those fare evasion stats listed in your profile for the last year are concerning....
75%+ increase and only 3 boardings by snos..

Just wondering if you can recall certain routes or stops where there is the most fare evasion happening?? Southbank perhaps?

[#Metro]

Our once proud Queensland Rail has been more or less trashed to oblivion by successive incompetent governments .

Queensland Rail and The State of Queensland are the same thing. This has allowed politicians to affect QR operations, sometimes in a very negative way.

A solution would be to give QR a greater degree of independence, which is what contracting would do.
Of course, a contract is only as good as its enforcement, and so that's where the competitive part comes in.

Red Team is best placed to perform this change. They are such skeptics/critics of contracting that they would be very thorough in their job, which means a better end result. It is critical that any contract not take the form of a "franchise", or pay per passenger, and that all fares and revenue continue to be collected by Translink.

[achiruel]

hi @otto

Those fare evasion stats listed in your profile for the last year are concerning....
75%+ increase and only 3 boardings by snos..

Just wondering if you can recall certain routes or stops where there is the most fare evasion happening?? Southbank perhaps?

Just consider what the Gold Coast is like then. I see stacks of revenue protection on the light rail (mostly in G:link uniforms, so perhaps employed by Goldlinq themselves?) but never any on buses My rough guess is about 10% fare evasion on Gold Coast buses. It's rife.

[Otto]

hi @otto

Those fare evasion stats listed in your profile for the last year are concerning....
75%+ increase and only 3 boardings by snos..

Just wondering if you can recall certain routes or stops where there is the most fare evasion happening?? Southbank perhaps?

Continued here, Reply #315
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=9539.new#new

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/SteveMinnikinMP/status/1082481331655725057

[STB]

See below for a rather interesting video of public vs private and the experience in the UK with franchising.

[#Metro]

The video mentioned southern rail, and how it was private and had many delays, but silent about the cause: industrial action due to DOO introduction. A glaring omission of fact.

For counterexample, trains in Sweden are handed over to contracted private operators, at all levels. The state rail operator has to compete against MTR Hong Kong. Commuter and long distance tracks are separated from the rail operators.

Completely different experience to the UK.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1091245204437225472

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1102769870175797248

[ozbob]

Stand by.  Looks like the two meal break roster has settled down, now they might start considering pax and fixing some of the gaps with the #railfail timetables.  One can only hope ..

Polyticks, one stunt after another ..   

[Stillwater]

Sharon, Lucas and Jemma stand with their tormentors, delighted at the prospect that they might not be downtrodden anymore.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Transport safety watchdog concerned as Queensland Rail train drivers 'coached' through crucial tests

A CHEATING scandal has engulfed Queensland Rail after the transport safety watchdog uncovered train drivers giving identical answers on competency tests to the marking guide.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has exposed "significant limitations" in how QR is running its 18-monthly mandatory safety tests for qualified drivers.

Its analysis of the driver "maintenance of competency test" results revealed a pattern of drivers giving identical or near-identical answers to the MOC test marking guide.

Former QR drivers have also told The Courier-Mail of being either verbally coached on how to answer test questions or even given a "cheat sheet" so that "you can't fail".

Safety issues around the MOC testing were discovered during the ongoing investigation into a near-miss near Bowen Hills in January.

An interim report late last month found a passenger train driver failed to stop at a red signal, pulling up 125m before potentially hitting another train. But investigators also zoned in on how the driver had passed five competency tests in seven years, only for "deficiencies" to be detected during a post-incident observation exercise.

Analysis of the driver's past test results found the answers to questions requiring a detailed response "were identical or near identical to those in the marking guide".

"In addition, there were very few incorrect answers noted," the ATSB report found.

Analysis of another 50 tests of other drivers found "almost all showed a similar pattern".

"It should be noted that the ATSB is not stating that QR's Citytrain drivers are not competent; rather the application of the process for assessing competency has significant limitations," it found.

Drivers must answer 250 questions without assistance to pass. Wrong answers should be noted and extra coaching given before trying again, according to the ATSB report.

QR chief executive Nick Easy said it was reviewing the testing and would transition to a revised theory assessment with updated content administered through a classroom group setting. He said the testing was just part of the process for ensuring driver competency.

One ex-driver told The Courier-Mail they were coached on the specific wording to use to pass the test.

The test concerns comes amid ongoing pressure to restore a full timetable following the 2016 "Rail Fail" that saw hundreds of service cancellations due to a shortage of drivers.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1102953567332130816

[techblitz]

*cue trolls* aye stirling?
I think someone might be still scarred by the absolute epic trolling from one Paul Pluta on youtube.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Transport safety watchdog concerned as Queensland Rail train drivers 'coached' through crucial tests

A CHEATING scandal has engulfed Queensland Rail after the transport safety watchdog uncovered train drivers giving identical answers on competency tests to the marking guide.

An investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has exposed "significant limitations" in how QR is running its 18-monthly mandatory safety tests for qualified drivers.

Its analysis of the driver "maintenance of competency test" results revealed a pattern of drivers giving identical or near-identical answers to the MOC test marking guide.

Former QR drivers have also told The Courier-Mail of being either verbally coached on how to answer test questions or even given a "cheat sheet" so that "you can't fail".

Safety issues around the MOC testing were discovered during the ongoing investigation into a near-miss near Bowen Hills in January.

An interim report late last month found a passenger train driver failed to stop at a red signal, pulling up 125m before potentially hitting another train. But investigators also zoned in on how the driver had passed five competency tests in seven years, only for "deficiencies" to be detected during a post-incident observation exercise.

Analysis of the driver's past test results found the answers to questions requiring a detailed response "were identical or near identical to those in the marking guide".

"In addition, there were very few incorrect answers noted," the ATSB report found.

Analysis of another 50 tests of other drivers found "almost all showed a similar pattern".

"It should be noted that the ATSB is not stating that QR's Citytrain drivers are not competent; rather the application of the process for assessing competency has significant limitations," it found.

Drivers must answer 250 questions without assistance to pass. Wrong answers should be noted and extra coaching given before trying again, according to the ATSB report.

QR chief executive Nick Easy said it was reviewing the testing and would transition to a revised theory assessment with updated content administered through a classroom group setting. He said the testing was just part of the process for ensuring driver competency.

One ex-driver told The Courier-Mail they were coached on the specific wording to use to pass the test.

The test concerns comes amid ongoing pressure to restore a full timetable following the 2016 "Rail Fail" that saw hundreds of service cancellations due to a shortage of drivers.

Update:

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/transport-safety-watchdog-concerned-as-queensland-rail-train-drivers-coached-through-crucial-tests/news-story/d54fe017f4190c2b51d24e2704c2ca1e

QUEENSLAND Rail has been told to lift its standards following revelations of a cheating scandal engulfing the rail authority.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the reports of cheating as disturbing, as detailed by The Courier-Mail.

"I hope they lift their standards," she said.

"I understand Queensland Rail is working with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate those matters."

Ms Palaszczuk said anyone caught doing the wrong thing should be penalised. ...

[ozbob]

Good gawd ... "  I hope they lift their standards ... "   Premier quoted ...

[Stillwater]

Its a long way to go to get to 'world clarse' levels

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Premier blasts rail cheating scandal as disturbing, says authority needs to lift its standards

PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk has labelled a cheating scandal engulfing Queensland Rail as disturbing and called for the authority to lift its game.

Ms Palaszczuk said she believed anyone caught out doing the wrong thing should also face sanctions.

It follows revelations an Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has exposed "significant limitations" in how QR is running its 18-monthly mandatory safety tests for qualified drivers.

The Courier-Mail revealed the ATSB's analysis of the driver "maintenance of competency test" results revealed a pattern of drivers giving identical or near-identical answers to the test marking guide.

"It should be noted that the ATSB is not stating that QR's Citytrain drivers are not competent; rather the application of the process for assessing competency has significant limitations," it found.

Former QR drivers had also told The Courier-Mail of being either verbally coached on how to answer test questions or even given a "cheat sheet" so that "you can't fail".

"I hope they lift their standards," Ms Palaszczuk said when asked about the cheating scandal.

"I understand Queensland Rail is working with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate those matters."

The LNP seized on the findings as further proof the Government was still failing to address the "rail fail" saga.

"Cheating on a safety test is literally putting lives at risk," Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington said.

She called for the government to reassure commuters drivers were not cheating on the test.

"We also need the unions out of the way so we can employ the extra 130 train drivers that we actually need to fix Labor's rail fail."

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the matter was being reviewed by QR.

"Until that review is complete, I think it would be premature to comment about it," he said.

Mr Bailey moved to reassure commuters safety was the authority's "first priority".

"What we saw in the recent CANSTAR national survey is that Queensland Rail has been rated the safest rail system in the country," he said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/1103208486895202304

"Day 888 of #railfail gets a MID"   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1103322122556923905

[Stillwater]

ahh, the Ministerial cop-out phrases ... from the handbook of Queensland Governance:

"The [insert name of government agency] is reviewing the matter and until such time as the review is completed and all the facts are known, it would be inappropriate for me to comment."

Should journalist ask "Can you give a guarantee that [issue] will be fixed?", respond with:

"[Name of government agency or DG] has given me an assurance, absolutely, that the matter will be fixed."

Asked "What will your government do about this?"

Reply: "The previous government has a lot to answer for. I'm doing all I can to fix the mess they left behind."

When things go pear-shape:

"We are taking immediate action on this. Today the government has appointed [name of competent person] to look into this matter and I have set a deadline for a report back to government.  Until such time as that person finishes their inquiry, and we know the recommendations, it would be in appropriate for me to comment."

And when it is really, really bad:

"I have lost faith in the Board/DG and the government is reviewing the contracts of those involved. Clearly, we need new blood in this organisation and, until we get it, it would be inappropriate for me to comment. But, really, look where the previous government has got us."

When asked about the future:

"Look, we have spelled out our plan for the future - Fixing [name issue] By 2100.  At least we have a plan - the previous government didn't have a plan, or had a failed plan.  We are on target to fix things by 2100, and I am closely tracking progress as Minister.  We have set up a community consultative group and established a new agency  -- the Fix the Problem Review Team, to get things happening.  It will report to me directly, in addition to the normal reporting requirements of [insert name of agency here]. I anxiously await the Review Team's first report and the government will study its recommendations closely. Until then, it is inappropriate for me to comment further."

... And so it goes on.

[ozbob]

Still an Interim Chair and Reduced Board at Queensland Rail ...

Interim Chair was appointed on 15 October 2018.

https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/aboutus/governance/board

[techblitz]

https://www.facebook.com/QueenslandRail/posts/2435179909833688

Hey QR, where have the peak hour services on the Cleveland line from Central gone today? Over 40 minutes between trains to Cleveland (not including express) and no Manly services?

Think we were on the same train Michael, I caught the 5:20pm cleveland train and it was already 95% full by the time it arrived at Roma Street.

By the time we got to South Bank it was almost impossible for people to even get on anymore, by the time we got to Buranda there were so many people on the train that I could barely reach down into my pocket to grab my phone out, that's how much sardine to sardine contact was going on. Honestly thought people were going to start having to ride on the outside because there was literally no more room on the train, not a single person could have gotten on at buranda anymore.

First time I've had to travel during friday peak (new uni timetable) and I can say with 100% certainty that I'm not doing it again. Gonna wait for a bus next time, because despite the longer travel time at least I'll be able to breathe properly.

the 5.17 ex central.....the service following the 30 minute peak hour gap for people wishing to commute to stations between morningside/manly......
Translink/QR need to turn one of those expresses into an all-stops to relieve pressure..

[Paul B]

Was there a list of where the most poblematic gaps are on this 'friday' timetable?
I did notice a 30 min gap of Shorncliffe line with no Northgate terminators between 5:43pm-6:13pm
Sure, Shorncliffe travellers are used to half hourly peak, not sure Toombul/Nundah etc people are however, given they used to have plenty more   

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/jessvanvonderen/status/1106762210435489792

[ozbob]

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2019/73-2019.pdf

... Queensland Rail has offered 256 trainee driver positions. As at 1 February 2019, 125 have
completed their training and are now operating on the network. This represents a net increase of
66 drivers since October 2016, taking into account natural attrition, which includes 15 tutors and
five train operation inspectors who are available to drive revenue services as required.

Queensland Rail is continuing to train more traincrew in more driver schools than ever before,
with 76 trainee drivers currently in training (as at 1 February 2019) and seven new driver schools
commencing in 2019. Across the 2019 training schedule, 100 trainee drivers will commence
training.
I can confirm that we have seen 20 external candidates placed into driver schools in 2018. Further
to this, 35 offers have been made to external candidates who are due to commence trainee driver
training in 2019.  ...

66 net gain in 900 days since 30th September 2016 (onset of observable #railfail)  = ~ 2,700 days to reach net gain of 200.   

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

17th March 2019

900 days of #railfail, net gain of drivers of only 66 of target 200 ....

Good Morning,

Tomorrow, Monday 18th March 2019, it will be 900 days since the first wave of cancellations associated with what is now known as ' railfail ', which occurred on the 30th September 2016.  In answer to a question on notice to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads ( #73 https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2019/73-2019.pdf ) the Minister has indicated that there has been a net gain of only 66 train drivers (target is 200) as of the 15th March 2019.  At this rate it will take another ~1700 days to reach a net gain of 200 drivers!

Not withstanding the slow training gains, a net gain of 66 drivers should allow for some interim timetable improvements now:

Phase 1.  Move to a consistent Monday to Friday timetable, with the peak service gaps on the Shorncliffe and Cleveland line fixed.

Phase 2.  Reintroduction of the October 2016 timetable, with additional services between Brisbane and Nambour, and increased services between Nambour and Gympie North.

The public has been suffering cancellations, delays and reduced service for 900 days of railfail.  It is time action was taken to improve the Citytrain timetable.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1107047476190576640

[ozbob]

Facebook ..

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1107304632907239425

[JimmyP]

Not really surprising. Same thing has happened/is happening here in the aviation industry. A long period of low/no recruitment with an already high average age workforce means it takes a long time to have any meaningful net gain of staff due to high attrition rate. Hence the current shortage and slow staff increase. You can only train a workforce so quickly before problems due to lack of adequate training start to emerge, which is the last thing any of us want.
It has been made even worse by the earlier reduction of trainers that happened during the previous Gov era.. need to recruit and train the trainers before taking on even more trainees!
Anyone who thought this would be fixed quickly is, quite frankly, an idiot. The pilot shortage has been going for years already and isn't looking like being overcome anytime soon! Doesn't take as long to train a driver as opposed to a pilot, but it still takes time.

[ozbob]

QR did nothing much for the first 4 or 5 months when #railfail impacted.  Time lost, ministerial staff at the time were furious  . 
Yes, it takes time, but there is enough slack in the system now to start fixing some of the #railfail timetable problems, particularly Shorncliffe and Cleveland lines.

We cannot afford to wait another 1800 days 

The other thing that grates with many of us was the way the authorities were duplicitously stating the gains in drivers and guards as not adjusted for attrition/retirement.  It was only our actions of holding them to account around this time last year that we now have the Minister reporting the net gains ( the true gains ).   A small win in the sea of deception, spin and bluster!   

[HappyTrainGuy]

Sort of like Newman's 'No frontline cuts!'. Meanwhile anyone that has a lot of experience is grabbing and running away with the redundancy package.

[techblitz]

QR did nothing much for the first 4 or 5 months when #railfail impacted

actually ozbob you can add another 6 months onto that at least....
a little flashback...im sure you remember this one...

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/31/statement-on-the-indec-report-received-by-queensland-rail

Monday, October 31, 2016

Statement on the Indec report received by Queensland Rail

This evening following an enquiry from The Courier-Mail I was made aware of the existence of a report prepared by external consultants, Indec, reviewing Queensland Rail's train service delivery.

To be clear, I was only provided with a draft version of this report this evening at 9.20pm.

The draft report clearly shows Queensland Rail personnel were aware from as early as January 2016 that there were significant risks attached to multiple projects as a consequence of a shortage of train driver resources.

I understand this report was prepared in January and I am deeply concerned it was not provided to me by Queensland Rail before now.

Seriously the stuff ive bolded there warrants an increased 72 pixel size spam with capitalization but better keep it respectable 

[JustSomeTrainGuy]

And the external driver applicants from the September 2017 intake have only now reached the "group assessment" phase of the recruitment process - mine's tomorrow. We still have to make it through the panel interview, medicals, police check and THEN have to wait another 12 months to be accepted into the driver school. The "net gain" of train drivers currently are internal applicants from the 2016 intake.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2662886

[ozbob]

Waiting ...

https://twitter.com/StirlHinchliffe/status/1102734601158459393

[JimmyP]

And the external driver applicants from the September 2017 intake have only now reached the "group assessment" phase of the recruitment process - mine's tomorrow. We still have to make it through the panel interview, medicals, police check and THEN have to wait another 12 months to be accepted into the driver school. The "net gain" of train drivers currently are internal applicants from the 2016 intake.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2662886

By what I have been told from a few friends, some of whom are/were external applicants, the externals are going through in batches (for guards at least -external drivers are some time next year start at this stage due to internal guard to driver training). Several external guard schools have started already apparently.

[Stillwater]

I understand the need for specific and comprehensive training by experienced instructors, but can't the admin side of all of this be outsourced to TAFE?