Queensland Rail

[ozbob]

Periodic reminder: @QueenslandRail execs pocketed big cash bonuses for delivering failure .. given the shunt? No ... mates ...#qldpol pic.twitter.com/kSCNBj6VBF

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) March 24, 2017

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland rail fail: Taxpayers foot bill for staggering cost of overhaul

TAXPAYERS have been stung more than $17 million in the wake of the rail fail as the Government scrambles to provide reliable services and overhaul the toxic organisation.

The bill includes $14.4 million Queensland Rail spent scrambling to replace cancelled trains and missing drivers caused by the timetabling disaster and chronic train crew shortages.

Taxpayers spent more than $4.2 million driving stranded passengers around in replacement buses and taxis even as they shelled out $10.2 million in train driver overtime in the months since October.

They were forced to pay ex-chief executive officer Helen Gluer a $160,000 severance payment as she left the organisation in crisis. Another $2.5 million was spent on the Strachan Commission of Inquiry to find out how to fix the chaos.

But the cost of a total overhaul of Queensland Rail's driver training program had been dubbed commercial in confidence and remains secret as outside experts are brought in to try to trim the laborious 18-month training program down to nine months.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad released the staggering costs that show the cost of replacement buses and taxis for October to January was $206,000 more than the same period last year.

It was particularly high in December, when issues culminated in the cancellation of about one third of services on Christmas Day and led to the resignation of QR's chief operating officer, Kevin Wright.

Queenslanders also paid $10.2 million in driver and guard overtime payments from October to February 19.

Driver and guard wages in the period without overtime would have cost $5.68 million.

Ms Trad said the Government was working through all the recommendations of the Strachan commission.

"He has given us a blueprint for reform and we are pursuing that," she said.

But Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell said taxpayers were paying more now for 1800 fewer services a month.

[ozbob]

Major mess for Government this. Failure to restore services, and possible further service cuts is no doubt politically terminal.
Not sure if our LNP can rise to the occasion however.

Victorian Opposition blue team has focussed on lack of train frequency as a key political issue down south.  Western Melbourne has terrible frequency.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> New Queensland Rail CEO says the culture of Queensland Rail will be transformed to put focus on the customer

The former Port of Melbourne boss Nick Easy, who swapped ships for trains as the new head of Queensland Rail, is on a mission to transform the organisation and get it back on track

How will the 100-day plan improve customer confidence in Queensland Rail?

On 8 March the 'Fixing the Trains' plan
was released by the Deputy Premier.
In addition to implementation of the 36 recommendations in the Strachan Report, a strong commitment has been made to deliver better services for customers. This includes a focus on restoring reliable on-time rail services, delivering excellence in customer service and providing cleaner, safer trains and stations. While these actions will be implemented within the first 100 days, that is not the end of it. They must be maintained and improved over time in response to feedback from customers and our level of performance. This proactive approach with real, on the ground changes should build more confidence in the community in the delivery of rail services by Queensland Rail.

How much longer do you think it will take to transform the culture so this sort of management failure isn't repeated?

The culture of Queensland Rail will be transformed so that the customer is first and at the centre of everything we do. Culture is built over a long period of time, is led from the top of the organisation, and the process has started to ensure Queensland Rail is a modern, world-class rail service. The transformation program will be delivered in three stages; stabilise, recover and transform. Each of these stages will drive cultural change and deliver a more integrated public transport structure for Queensland.

You've spent your career in Victoria, what made you apply for the job?

I have worked in Victoria for 27 years in a number of organisations that play an important role in the community and the State economy. Queensland Rail is a natural extension of this given the significant role its services play in the lives of Queenslanders and in connecting communities. I was attracted to the role because of its significance to Queensland, the diversity of the organisation, its assets and services, and the challenge of creating a sustainable entity.

You finished up with the Port of Melbourne about five months ago. What have you been up to in that time?

I have enjoyed a good break, spent time with my family and friends, and enjoyed some overseas travel.

Do you think this is the toughest job of your career? And how does it compare with other challenges you have faced at the Port of Melbourne and Victoria's Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Service Board?

Every job has its challenges and requires your full attention and commitment. I am looking forward to leading Queensland Rail, working with the Government, board, staff and stakeholders to transform the organisation and ensure that the community is proud of its rail service. It will take some time and I want to get it right. This will involve change and a commitment to do what is best for the Queensland community.

What's the most surprising thing you've discovered about Queensland?

It's still early days for me and I have travelled here a few times over the years. I think what is great about Queensland is the climate, the outdoors and the proximity to some wonderful beaches, islands and rainforests.

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

Most people are surprised when I say I have four children, all boys between the age of 17 and 20. I have a blended family and with four boys all at this age, people's surprise soon turns into admiration.

When did you last catch the train?

I have travelled recently on several trains on the southeast Queensland network including the Redcliffe Peninsula, Sunshine Coast, Airport and Cleveland lines. I look forward to travelling on the remaining lines.

Is your whole family moving to Queensland with you?

I will move to Queensland initially with my wife to follow at a later time. My children are settled in Melbourne and will remain there.

What do you do to unwind? Do you have any hobbies?

I like to enjoy the company of family and friends, the outdoors and travel.

Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

There are so many amazing holiday destinations. I travelled to New Zealand late last year and found it to be an incredibly beautiful place where you are blessed with inspiring panoramas of mountains and lakes. The location, only a short distance away, is definitely a favourite with good food, wine and so many things to do.

Sure ...

[ozbob]

New data shows the Caboolture line has endured the most cancellations on the southeast rail network. @SimoLove #7News pic.twitter.com/4d3S0uGcoa

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 15, 2017

[Stillwater]

Mr Easy: "The process has started to ensure Queensland Rail is a modern, world-class rail service."

In Premier Beattie's time, QR claimed to be 'world clarse'.

Careful of the hyperbole, Mr Easy.  The danger is that you and your staff will believe it before it is true.

Maybe aim for the West's PTA objective:

" The PTA is committed to providing a quality passenger transport service to the public."

More realistic, more focussed.  To be 'the best in the world' is part of yesterday's thinking at QR.  It's lazy thinking, not clever thinking.

[#Metro]

We should jump on this 'world class' classification and define it.

What does it mean? What benchmark cities should be used?

[ozbob]

Mr Easy: "The process has started to ensure Queensland Rail is a modern, world-class rail service."

In Premier Beattie's time, QR claimed to be 'world clarse'.

Careful of the hyperbole, Mr Easy.  The danger is that you and your staff will believe it before it is true.

Maybe aim for the West's PTA objective:

" The PTA is committed to providing a quality passenger transport service to the public."

More realistic, more focussed.  To be 'the best in the world' is part of yesterday's thinking at QR.  It's lazy thinking, not clever thinking.

Mr Easy has a job to do, good luck to him.

The reality is though that Queensland Rail is struggling to deliver an acceptable service throughout the year.

Public transport has been put back decades.  Nothing much will really improve IMO unless there is a radical overhaul along the lines we have suggested with proper structural reform and Public Transport Queensland.

In the last couple of years I have been on all the suburban rail systems around Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.  Brisbane is at the bottom of the ladder, clearly.

[ozbob]

https://www.seek.com.au/job/33226200

Team Leader (Training)

We are a large and fully integrated infrastructure business chartered with a responsibility that is pivotal to the success of Queensland and its people. Our culture is one based around safety and performance.

We are currently seeking an outstanding, motivated individual to step into our Team Leader Training role, which is responsible for providing leadership and direction to Train Service Delivery Training, ensuring Tutor Drivers and Tutor Guards are highly motivated and able to positively contribute to the business. You will ensure that programs of competency based training are reviewed, validated and delivered to required standards.

Whilst there are no pre-employment qualifications required, it is highly desirable if you bring a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or any other training related qualification. This will be a standard Monday to Friday position, working 38 hours per week.

Key responsibilities will include:

    Responsible for the maintenance, coordination and monitoring of training strategies and programs for Traincrew
    Lead the team of Tutor Guards and Tutor Drivers to contribute towards the achievement of performance objectives, effective people management and a positive work culture.
    Assist in the coordination of Train Service Delivery Training, Recruitment and Selection and Change Management.
    Establish effective working partnerships both internally and externally to facilitate the activities of Train Service Delivery and associated areas of Queensland Rail
    Provide operational support and response to day to day operations of incidents in accordance with Queensland Rail's Safety Management System
    Maintain contemporary knowledge and/or source information on emerging issues within and outside the organisation relating to Operations and Train Service Delivery

Skills Required:

    High level communication skills written and verbal
    Previous experience in a senior training related position
    Can-do attitude

This position is an AS6 level role with salary of $100,929 + Superannuation + Rail Pass.

The recruitment and selection process for this position will require the successful applicant to undertake a Pre-Employment Health Assessment and background checks.

Queensland Rail is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and people from non-English speaking backgrounds to apply for this position.

Apply to position number 72287 by clicking onto the "Apply" button. Please submit a resume and covering letter outlining relevant experience by 9am, Wednesday 19th April 2017.

To learn more about this Queensland Rail career opportunity call Tali Blood on (07) 3072 1309.

[SurfRail]

In the last couple of years I have been on all the suburban rail systems around Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.  Brisbane is at the bottom of the ladder, clearly.

Based on my own and BrizCommuter's observations both Auckland and Wellington also now have us pipped (absurd ticketing arrangements for Wellington aside, which is going to be fixed a lot sooner than anything here).

[ozbob]

^ I have never been on those systems in NZ but I certainly respect both your views. 

Even Wellington managed a better frequency over Easter than Queensland Rail ...   

[#Metro]

Skills Required:

    High level communication skills written and verbal
    Previous experience in a senior training related position
    Can-do attitude

DUN-DUN-DUN!

Can-do CAMPBELL!!

[achiruel]

We should jump on this 'world class' classification and define it.

What does it mean? What benchmark cities should be used?

It's a load of dribbly spin, that's what it means.

I would like challenge Mr. Easy to the following:

• Restore the October 2016 timetable no later than 8 January 2017 2018
• Achieve 99.5% OTR of all services (PLANNED trackwork would be excluded)
• Extend 15 minute services where possible 7am-7pm weekdays/Saturdays 8:30am-6:30pm Sundays (I know some here will disagree about shorter Sunday hours but let's be realistic, retail trading hours are shorter which for many people leads to less need to travel, also issues with extra costs of Sunday work/union agreements). This could probably go to Caboolture, Petrie (maybe KR?), Shorncliffe (might need duplication Sandgate-Shorncliffe), Ferny Grove, Manly (Lota?), Kuraby (maybe issue with counter peak?), Ipswich (express), Springfield). 30 minute services to Doomben (I believe this is possible). This should be achievable within 3 years (April 2020)

That actually gives him some definable goals rather than the bs "world clarse" spin.

[Stillwater]

Wanted: Tutor Patsy

Capable of being sacked if Tutor management and training stuffs up.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th April 2017

Restore full SEQ rail timetable by January 2018

Greetings,

So trains on the Gold Coast line will be doubled from four to eight per hour for the Commonwealth Games?

[ Gold Coast Commonwealth Games congestion-busting plans revealed
> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gold-coast-commonwealth-games-congestionbusting-plans-revealed/news-story/f07a091f3d08442ee8f2a80506b843d1 ]

Really, does anyone think that the present path Queensland Rail is on will allow that without further service reductions on all the other lines, and in so doing paralysing the SEQ public transport network for the duration of the games.  A real transport crisis is looming.

It must be the priority now that a full rail service timetable is back in place by January 2018, well before the Games.

The citizens of SEQ have suffered enough with rail fail.  Queensland Rail needs to get moving with crew training, and accept external applications for Train Crew from persons with rail experience but not necessarily Queensland Rail. It is still a closed shop, and the old cultural and management failings continue. No surprise, most of the rail fail senior staff linger on.

If Queensland Rail cannot commit to establishing a full service timetable by January 2018, get an operator that will.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest media: ' Restore full SEQ rail timetable by January 2018 '
> https://t.co/9EpAGXPetW#qldpol #railfail@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/pZtwLVoe3T

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 18, 2017

[ozbob]

"Brisbane is at the bottom of the ladder, clearly"
>https://t.co/9KvGyIDp2R#qldpol #railfail@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @QLDLabor @LNPQLD pic.twitter.com/Awm09jEo0h

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 18, 2017

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Editorial: High time to get Queensland Rail back on track

IF PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk is to have any hope of retaining government at the looming state election, the ongoing shambles that is Queensland Rail must be fixed.

So far the signs are not good. Timetables have been pared back, services reduced at many stations and commuters subjected to chronic overcrowding and often long waits. And despite an exhaustive report, prepared by now QR chairman Phillip Strachan, into the debacle that began unfolding last year, there still appears to be a pervading culture of "nothing to see here" that allows endemic problems to be ignored in the hope they might go away.

A case in point is the ongoing bottleneck when it comes to training enough drivers to adequately staff southeast Queensland's passenger rail network. That we reached this crisis point – with the pain expected to linger well into the future, according to the Strachan report – was the result of a management bungle of epic proportions.

Senior QR management was either unaware, or chose to ignore, repeated warnings that the expansion of the network that came with opening the Redcliffe rail link would require more drivers, and stretch QR's ad hoc reliance on ever-increasing amounts of voluntary overtime to breaking point and beyond.

As it stands, on QR's own trajectories, it will be a couple of years before there are enough fully trained drivers to ensure security of services across the network. And as transport advocates warned earlier this week, that timetable is unlikely to see sufficient drivers on hand to cope with the doubling of train services to the Gold Coast to cater for Commonwealth Games crowds in a year's time. As well as gridlock for motorists on the M1, train commuters can likely expect further reduced services across the network to accommodate a two-week international sporting event.

Only sustained pressure from this newspaper and the public has resulted in QR bowing to basic common sense and opening up its driver positions to applicants from outside the group, many of whom are already trained professionals working for the likes of Aurizon or interstate operators.

While this, despite opposition from unions keen to protect what has been a closed-shop environment and some very generous workplace conditions (not to mention overtime payments), is a step forward, new obstacles are still emerging.

As The Courier-Mail reports today, we learn that train drivers applying for QR positions are being required to sit "psychometric tests" so tough that a university maths professor says many of his students would be flummoxed.

While QR has defended the process, and stressed that it applies to all applicants whether internal or external, you would like to think that a company screaming out for more skilled staff would be looking to streamline the process – especially for already qualified drivers – rather than erecting more hurdles. Obviously safety is paramount, and anyone behind the controls of hundreds of tonnes of locomotive packed with passengers must be well qualified and of sound mind.

We are however, talking here about driving a train– not something a degree in advanced mathematics is usually required to qualify for.

Given the barriers to entry, it is little wonder that QR has been making slow progress in filling the gaps in its driver ranks, and it is a nexus – and perhaps a deeper workplace culture – that the Government is beholden to do its level best to break. As Mr Strachan rightly warned, the process, particularly when it comes to cultural shifts, will take time, but that time and voter patience is fast running out.

[ozbob]

Couriermail 21st April 2017

Front page



Pages 4 & 5

[ozbob]

Time to get rail system back on track > https://t.co/Dh9nc5RGfR #qldpol
bloody oath ... #railfail#pleaseprayforusOz

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 20, 2017

[ozbob]

There have been suggestions the qualification processes to become a train driver are too tough. #9News pic.twitter.com/zttslXaAMf

— Nine News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 20, 2017

[ozbob]

Now online at CM

Are you smarter than a train driver? > https://t.co/q0131YJ2I4 #qldpol #raiIfail

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 20, 2017

[Stillwater]

I love the picture in the CM -- beaming transport minister, standing to the back, public servant in front, copping the flak.  Maybe it is a case of Jackie Trad being absolutely confident that  she has received an assurance from Mr Easy that he will put things right.  So ... when things are not put right, Mr Easy disappears out the revolving door, Minister stays.  Next!!

[ozbob]

Re @couriermail QR story we make no apology for using Int best practice to hire train drivers to safely transport millions of Qlders each yr

— Jackie Trad (@jackietrad) April 21, 2017

[ozbob]

Update:

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/experiences-train-drivers-forced-into-difficult-psychometric-testing-to-qualify-for-job-at-queensland-rail/news-story/ddd7f2142f847687b1d7986ef3f23506

EXPERIENCED train drivers are being forced to solve maths puzzles difficult enough to stump even university-level mathematics students to qualify for a job at Queensland Rail.

The puzzles, obtained by The Courier-Mail, are part of the online psychometric test experienced train drivers, including qualified drivers working for private freight operator Aurizon, must complete to reach the next level of recruitment and score a job interview.

Queensland Rail's newly appointed chief executive officer defended putting train driver job applicants through the series of complex math quizzes.

Nick Easy, who was appointed to the top job last month, fronted the media on Friday to respond to accusations the tests were overly difficult and could frustrate efforts to quickly overturn QR's chronic driver shortage.

Mr Easy did not say whether he would be able to answer the maths questions, but insisted the tests lowered safety risks.

"Psychometric testing is a standard and a common process," Mr Easy said.

"What it is involved is an online cognitive assessment which looks at the ability and behavioural style of individuals that take into account the changing environment, patterns and making decisions in a calm and an accurate and a quick manner.

"We make no apologies for setting standards for the protection of our passengers." ...

[#Metro]

^ So what are the answers to the two question Jackie Trad? Does anyone have the answer??

[HappyTrainGuy]

I'm gonna guess C and E.

[red dragin]

C & E.

Tough but fair I reckon. I got them correct, where's my drivers hat? 

And no, I didn't use the answers provided upside-down on on the bottom right.

[ozbob]

4BC Brisbane Live

Is psychometric testing for train drivers necessary?

Ben Davis speaks to the CEO of Queensland Rail, Nick Easy about the psychometric tests potential train drivers have to sit

> http://www.4bc.com.au/podcast/is-psychometric-testing-for-train-drivers-necessary/

[ozbob]

Well worth listening too. Nick Easy states towards the end of the interview that there will not be service changes/line closures as a result of Commonwealth Games.  He acknowledges our claim for full service delivery by January 2018, looking at it although no indication that will be achieved.

15 drivers and 40 guards already qualified.  More on the way.  With accelerated training programs a better timetable by Jan 2018 is looking possible.

[I have saved the MP3 file -- could come in handy  ]

[petey3801]

With regards to the psychometric testing, there is a lot more to it than just getting questions right and wrong. Many questions are timed and accuracy is more important than just getting all the questions answered. For instance, someone who answers all questions but only scores 50% is likely to score lower than someone who only answered 50% of the questions but got all answered questions correct. There is a lot of psychology behind the testing and the pattern matching is only one part of the whole thing, including math, comprehention, memory, concentration etc.
Basically, just looking at the tasks given during the tests generally generates the 'What has this got to do with driving a train?!' response, but when you see and understand much of the psychology behind the tests, the relevance becomes a lot clearer.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> QR struggling to train new drivers

JUST 15 drivers out of the 200 Queensland Rail desperately needs became qualified to drive trains on the ­Citytrain network since a mass recruitment campaign launched in late 2015.

The slow pace of the recovery to QR's driver shortage comes after The Courier-Mail yesterday revealed experienced train drivers were being forced to sit ­complicated maths tests to progress through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

QR advertised for ­experienced drivers in mid-February, but many applicants have not been told whether they passed their online psychometric tests almost three weeks after completion.

The Strachan Commission of Inquiry into QR in January criticised a lag in advertising for experienced drivers, finding the campaign was initially planned to be launched a month earlier.

It also found "limited progress" with overall recruitment efforts since late last year when the driver shortages were exposed via the sudden cancellation of hundreds of train services.

More than 60 recruits are at various stages of the training process.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad last month announced an overhaul of QR's training program in a bid to cut the time it takes to train drivers from a worst-case of 18 months to nine months.

But she defended QR for putting qualified driver applicants through complex psychometric tests rated by University of Queensland mathematics professor Peter Adams as difficult enough to stump his own students.

QR's newly appointed chief executive officer Nick Easy defended the tests and rejected suggestions it was part of a union deal to lock out outsiders to ramp up driver overtime payments.

"I don't think there's any locking out of applicants," he said. "This is a process that's standard, it's common and it's proven."

He said all drivers hired since 2011 had completed the psychometric testing.

The cost of the QR driver shortage has run into the millions of dollars. This includes a $171,000 recruitment campaign to find its new leader after former chief executive officer Helen Gluer quit over the rail debacle last year, according to a response to a Question on Notice by the State Opposition yesterday.

The cost is on top of the ­almost $160,000 payout to Ms Gluer after she stood down. QR forks out about $1 million in overtime a fortnight due to the driver shortage.

Opposition transport spokesman Andrew Powell yesterday criticised the pace of QR's driver recruitment, saying QR could not afford to turn away experienced drivers through "overly stringent" psychometric testing.

[tazzer9]

The only form of psychometric testing I believe is needed for a train driver is reaction time testing while under some form of pressure and distraction.  All that is needed is some form of test that is similar to the P2 hazard perception test upgrade. 

[achiruel]

Part of the test I did (this was around 2012 IIRC, might have changed since then) also tested for the ability to complete repetitive tasks without losing concentration which is probably also relevant for train drivers.

[Cazza]

Well just the title of the article posted "QR struggling to train new drivers" just really sums up the incompetence of the organisation

[red dragin]

Well just the title of the article posted "QR struggling to train new drivers" just really sums up the incompetence of the organisation

It shows the failure of the "internal applications only" approach.

Just because it says QR on your cleaner's uniform doesn't mean you where destined to be a train driver.

[ozbob]

Checking out QR's new state of the art simulator which will fast-track training & get drivers on our network sooner #fixingthetrains #qldpol pic.twitter.com/pRHMYOA0Gq

— Jackie Trad (@jackietrad) April 26, 2017

^

We hope so. This reduced service timetable has put back public transport decades in SEQ. #railfail #qldpol https://t.co/c24UVu7U60

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 26, 2017

[ozbob]

50 mentor drivers and a better simulator to fast track train training @jackietrad @abcnews #qldpol pic.twitter.com/7oNyYQAlQw

— Chris O'Brien (@COBrienBris) April 26, 2017

[tazzer9]

Only 1 new simulator.  A small office building should be dedicated to having them.   These simulators aren't too expensive to purchase and require very little money to upkeep, so if they had brains they would be getting alot more than 1 and starting to get trainee's onto them to speed up the whole process.  If we can shorten the timetable requiring overtime rates to be paid by just 1 year, then these simulators will pay for themselves.

[ozbob]

27th April 2017

Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

State of the art simulator modernises driver training

The Palaszczuk Government has today unveiled a new state of the art train simulator, significantly improving Queensland Rail driver training by providing the most realistic learning environment for trainee drivers.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said the world-class technology had arrived at a perfect time, as more trainees then ever were progressing through driver schools.

"Improving driver training is one of the core components of our plan to fix the trains and get Queensland Rail back on track," Ms Trad said.

"The new simulator provides a fully immersive experience for trainee drivers, allowing them to learn every route on the city network on any train from the Citytrain fleet.

"This new technology will help streamline training, with instructors able to test trainees under a range of conditions in an ultra-realistic environment before they hit the tracks in the real world.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said that the innovative technology would deliver a more efficient training program.

"It was purpose built for Queensland Rail in France by CORYS, a global leader in train simulators, and the technology, graphics and materials are all cutting edge," Mr Easy said.

In another major improvement to driver training, Queensland Rail had upskilled more than 50 drivers to mentor new trainees to streamline on-track training.

"After trainees complete their initial on-track training with dedicated trainers, they will complete the remainder of their supervised hours with driver mentors," Ms Trad said.

"This frees up dedicated driver trainers and means Queensland Rail can commence training new recruits earlier."

The driver mentors are part of a suite of initiatives, including increased class sizes and a review of traincrew training process, that have been implemented to improve driver training since the Strachan Enquiry.

"Since October, more than 50 of our experienced drivers have been appointed as mentors," Mr Easy said.

"Together, these initiatives will streamline driver training, deliver more drivers sooner, allowing us to improve service frequency across the City network."

To date, of the 200 driver positions to be filled, 106 have been recruited and more than 100 candidates are at various stages of the recruitment process, including former Queensland Rail drivers who were invited to apply in March.

ENDS