Queensland Rail

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail's new simulator to help trainee drivers. #7News pic.twitter.com/J3fsouHigf

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 27, 2017

[Stillwater]

^ These things are needed, of course, as part of the training methodology.  Does publicising the facility reinforce the perception of a state that exists in an artificial reality  -- simulated trains on simulated tracks?  With all the social media being churned out on behalf of the State Government for CRR, anyone would think it was about to be started.  Construction is a long way off.  Meanwhile, in the real world .......

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail fail: New $4m train simulator to boost driver training

THE State Government has announced southeast Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal following the unveiling of a new training program.

A $3.8 million train simulator has been brought in by Queensland Rail to improve driver training and free up staff.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad said more trainees than ever were progressing through driver schools.

"What this means is we all are well on our way to fixing the trains program," she said.

"We know in order to return services back to a full timetable we need more drivers, and that's what we're getting on and doing."

Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said the new simulator would replace the current 17-year-old one, which could not replicate QR's new fleet of trains.

"This improves on our training capability, improves on the technology the organisation has, and is all about investing in our capability and our ability to train drivers into supply so we can move towards restoring our train services," he said.

" ... THE State Government has announced southeast Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal following the unveiling of a new training program. ... "





Errrr ... not so sure CM   

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail has unveiled a new weapon to help fast-track a solution to the train driver shortage. @katrinablowers #7News pic.twitter.com/yuhXsd1uvk

— 7 News Queensland (@7NewsQueensland) April 27, 2017

[ozbob]

The machine that will help fix rail fail > https://t.co/FI4b6vAasC #qldpol

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 27, 2017

^

" ... Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal ... "
You sure about that @jackietrad @QueenslandRail ?#qldpol#hopeso https://t.co/Yk5lNW1PEo

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 27, 2017

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th April 2017

Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal (sic)

Good Morning,

And what wonderful news we wake to this morning:

" ... THE State Government has announced southeast Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal following the unveiling of a new training program. ... "

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail fail: New $4m train simulator to boost driver training

Does the acquisition of a new train simulator render all the previous spin and bluster, inquiries redundant?  Or this just a little bit of journalistic optimism.

We do live in hope of Queensland Rail delivering the October 2016 timetable, certainly by late January 2018.

As previously advised this is what needs to occur in our opinion in terms of timetable fixing:

Step 1:  Convert the abysmal Friday timetable to the same as the present Monday to Thursday timetable.

Step 2:  Starting plugging some of the service gaps in the present Monday to Thursday timetable, eg. the PM peak problems on the Cleveland line.

Step 3:  Convert peak 3 car services to 6 car services - this should be done as the new NGR trains are progressively introduced.

Step 4.  As train crew become available re-introduce the October 2016 timetable (with some modifications as necessary) by late January 2018.

Oh the joy!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest: ' Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal (sic) '
> https://t.co/wMZYpZ3u2V#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/j7Vg3Yc1YX

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 27, 2017

[#Metro]

I'm confused.

What is happening? (a) Old simulator out, new simulator in or (b) Old simulator AND new simulator together??

[ozbob]

I don't know.  Someone will help out.

I had a go once on the old simulator - attempted to pilot an EMU from Corinda to Indroo, was a very good experience. Certainly reinforced for me the level of focused concentration that is needed.

[achiruel]

 Not an expert by any means, but wouldn't a different simulator be required for each class of train?

[BrizCommuter]

What's the definition of "soon"? Not expecting full restoration until late 2018.

[ozbob]

What's the definition of "soon"? Not expecting full restoration until late 2018.

I think they can certainly improve things a lot by Jan 2018, but I do wonder about the above article.

Blunder or design? 

[#Metro]

What's the definition of "soon"? Not expecting full restoration until late 2018.

No need for drivers when everyone is pushing. Everyone out and push! HEAVE!!

PS: Did the QLD Gov't say soon or soon*??

Cross River Rail was coming soon*. The QLD Gov't spin dictionary definition of "soon" seems to be "coming in about 10 years or never."

[Stillwater]

There is still an over-emphasis within QR and TMR on publicity and spin.  They see the issue as managing public opinion rather than focussing on the underlying problems that give rise to that public opinion.  Getting the media in to film and photograph the driver simulator does not solve the problem.

Saying the problem will be fixed soon is delusional hyperbole.  Jackie Trad wants to be seen to be doing something, that's all.  Emphasis on the word 'seen'.

Mr Easy has been out and about on what could be called a 'listening tour' -- popping up at short notice here and there, just where the media happens to be summonsed.  He may be listening, but is he 'hearing'?

What of the Citytrain Response Unit?  A PR stunt.  I am going to mow the lawn today.  I am a 'Landscape Enhancement Response Unit'.

[ozbob]

 

[#Metro]

It's consultation and discussion fatigue. All the main problems are known and have been known for ages.

CRU is toothless because the QR contract gets renewed no matter what.

If QR misses targets or service standards - so what? Doesn't mean anything.

This isn't just about QR either - private bus operators also enjoy non-enforcement as well.

BCC didn't meet service standards for years- no consequence. There could be other examples.

[BrizCommuter]

Re-reading that article, it is only the CM journalist that said "soon", not the government or other authorities.

[ozbob]

Re-reading that article, it is only the CM journalist that said "soon", not the government or other authorities.

Yep. As I said " Or this just a little bit of journalistic optimism. "  ...

Still, at least there still is hope!  S. S. Hope 

[ozbob]

The other thing that occurred me is that we have not seen Government or anyone else rushing to say the CM article is not so,
and we will not be returning to normal soon  ... 



hey ho ... 

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

29th April 2017

Concerning Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal (sic)

Good Morning,

Yet another long weekend.  Three day track closure for some of the northern sectors of the SEQ rail network.
Northgate to Caboolture, Gympie North and Kippa-Ring track closure > https://translink.com.au/service-updates/118306
Saves a bit of train crew overtime hey but explodes bus hire costs? Forces more folks onto dangerous congested roads.

Anyway, we are surprised that there has been no statement from the public transport authorities, Deputy Premier Trad, TransLink or Queensland Rail concerning the premise that

" ... THE State Government has announced southeast Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal following the unveiling of a new training program. ... "

Can we take it then that we can look forward to restoration of a full rail service timetable soon?

(Can someone please define what ' soon ' means too please?)

Enjoy the rail buses, at least they are generally more frequent than the ramshackle reduced service rail timetable at present.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

28th April 2017

Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal (sic)

Good Morning,

And what wonderful news we wake to this morning:

" ... THE State Government has announced southeast Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal following the unveiling of a new training program. ... "

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail fail: New $4m train simulator to boost driver training

Does the acquisition of a new train simulator render all the previous spin and bluster, inquiries redundant?  Or this just a little bit of journalistic optimism.

We do live in hope of Queensland Rail delivering the October 2016 timetable, certainly by late January 2018.

As previously advised this is what needs to occur in our opinion in terms of timetable fixing:

Step 1:  Convert the abysmal Friday timetable to the same as the present Monday to Thursday timetable.

Step 2:  Starting plugging some of the service gaps in the present Monday to Thursday timetable, eg. the PM peak problems on the Cleveland line.

Step 3:  Convert peak 3 car services to 6 car services - this should be done as the new NGR trains are progressively introduced.

Step 4.  As train crew become available re-introduce the October 2016 timetable (with some modifications as necessary) by late January 2018.

Oh the joy!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest: Concerning Qld's train timetables will soon return to normal (sic)
> https://t.co/otxyFPbIZA#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/a4CU2MNm6f

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 28, 2017

[ozbob]

No response received to this tweet.  They just don't care too much hey?

" ... Queensland's train timetables will soon return to normal ... "
You sure about that @jackietrad @QueenslandRail ?#qldpol#hopeso https://t.co/Yk5lNW1PEo

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 27, 2017

[Stillwater]

They won't rush to respond to misreported news that shows them in a good light.  Compare that with how the Government PR machine went into overdrive last Sunday when the Sunday Mail reported on transport woes associated with the Commonwealth Games (after months of blocking RTI requests.)  Suddenly all the correspondence was released within hours, Peter Beattie was trotted out for the cameras and diplomatic contacts were used to get a letter from the Commonwealth Games Federation in London, condemning the SM for publishing 'old news'.

It was still very relevant, of course, and the news had been 'made old' by the RTI request knock-backs.

[ozbob]

Who has the ... influence ... 

[ozbob]

...

What of the Citytrain Response Unit?  A PR stunt.  I am going to mow the lawn today.  I am a 'Landscape Enhancement Response Unit'.

Nothing since the initial launch etc.  No updates since 8 March 2017.  There was a committment to ' regularly publish reports on progress '

guess it is bit like defining ' soon ' to find a meaning for ' regularly publish ', I would have thought monthly would be reasonable for updates, no?

They are having a lend of us again I feel ..   

[ I am a Passenger Enhancement Response Unit < cool huh? ]

http://www.cru.qld.gov.au/index.html

Citytrain Response Unit

The Citytrain Response Unit was established by the Queensland Government on 8 February 2017 in response to the Queensland Rail Train Crewing Practices Commission of Inquiry (Strachan Inquiry) Final Report delivered on 31 January 2017.

The Citytrain Response Unit will monitor, independently audit and report on the implementation of the 36 recommendations contained in the Strachan Inquiry Final Report as well as lead reviews of the governance, legislative framework and structure of passenger rail service delivery in Queensland.

Jacqui Walters has been appointed as Chair of the Citytrain Response Unit and will report directly to the Responsible Ministers for Queensland Rail.

The Citytrain Response Unit will regularly publish public reports on the progress being made to implement the 36 recommendations of the Strachan Inquiry.

The Citytrain Response Unit will be active for an initial period of 12 months.

Last updated 08 March 2017

[#Metro]

RBOT is the CRU. And we do it for free

[BrizCommuter]

I'll be writing an article on the uselessness of the CRU next week.

[Stillwater]

Go Jacqui!

http://www.cru.qld.gov.au/chair.html

[#Metro]

There can't be enforcement as Queensland Rail cannot be fined (internal gov't funds transfer, no end investors to take losses) and no matter what, its contract must be renewed.

This guarantee, come what may, overrides anything in the Translink service standards.

[ozbob]

Sunday Mail --> Queensland Rail driver recruitment, Commonwealth Games readiness suppressed

THE State Government has closed the shutters on details of recruitment at Queensland Rail, while refusing to release a log of planning issues identified by Commonwealth Games bosses, in another blow for transparency on George Street.

The moves have further sparked criticism of a "culture of cover-ups" after the Government on Wednesday released a heavily censored review into youth detention.

QR confirmed this month that just 15 of its targeted 200 driver recruits had finished training.

However its media manager last week refused to reveal the comparable guard figure, saying it had "nothing further to add on the guards at the moment but we will be doing regular updates and next time we do I'll let you know".

Transport Minister Jackie Trad's office also said the Government would only provide regular recruitment updates.

The news comes as a detailed log of planning issues identified by Commonwealth Games chiefs in London is being kept secret despite Games boss Peter Beattie assuring it had "nothing to hide."

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls questioned the move.

He accused the Government of "cobbling together" this month's announcement by Games Minister Kate Jones to tackle traffic on the Pacific Motorway.

"All we have so far is a media release," he said of the announcement.

"It really is a case where it seems the wheels have been spinning, there is no traction and nothing concrete has been done."

Ms Jones and Mr Beattie have insisted concerns raised in December by the Commonwealth Games Federation that transport planning problems had put the Games at "significant risk" had been dealt with.

However, they refuse to release other documents referred to by vice-president Bruce Robertson in December.

Mr Robertson wrote to former transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Mr Beattie that the federation was "currently preparing a more detailed log of issues that have arisen during the course of the review".

"I will also be writing to you separately regarding the CGF's ongoing engagement and in particular the ongoing governance at the strategic and executive levels," he wrote in a follow-up letter on December 22.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th April 2017

Rail fail blunders on ...

Good Morning,

More concerns with the ongoing rail fail mess.  Sunday Mail --> Queensland Rail driver recruitment, Commonwealth Games readiness suppressed

It does seem our worst fears are getting 'worser' if that is possible.

The so called Citytrain Response Unit ( http://www.cru.qld.gov.au/index.html - superficial fluff in our opinion) has not tabled any recent public reports.  This is despite a commitment to ' regularly publish reports on progress ' (see below). Can someone please define ' regularly publish ' please?  We would have thought monthly reasonable hey?

What an ongoing shambles. 

Any news on the New Generation Rollingstock trains or perhaps the signalling issues on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line? #askingforQueenslanders

Blunder on.

Best wishes
Robert

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

Reference:

http://www.cru.qld.gov.au/index.html

Citytrain Response Unit

The Citytrain Response Unit was established by the Queensland Government on 8 February 2017 in response to the Queensland Rail Train Crewing Practices Commission of Inquiry (Strachan Inquiry) Final Report delivered on 31 January 2017.

The Citytrain Response Unit will monitor, independently audit and report on the implementation of the 36 recommendations contained in the Strachan Inquiry Final Report as well as lead reviews of the governance, legislative framework and structure of passenger rail service delivery in Queensland.

Jacqui Walters has been appointed as Chair of the Citytrain Response Unit and will report directly to the Responsible Ministers for Queensland Rail.

The Citytrain Response Unit will regularly publish public reports on the progress being made to implement the 36 recommendations of the Strachan Inquiry.

The Citytrain Response Unit will be active for an initial period of 12 months.

Last updated 08 March 2017

[ozbob]

Latest media: &#39; Rail fail blunders on ... &#39;
> https://t.co/kXlZkwe3K3#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @SmartState1 @katejonesqld pic.twitter.com/Zdm1YWUEjO

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) April 29, 2017

[ozbob]

I'll be writing an article on the uselessness of the CRU next week.

[Stillwater]

From today's newspaper report:

"However (QR's) its media manager last week refused to reveal the comparable guard figure, saying it had 'nothing further to add on the guards at the moment but we will be doing regular updates and next time we do I'll let you know'."

Why is it now the QR media manager's prerogative that these figures be withheld or released?  Is that person now the mystery Citytrain Response Unit?  Surely, QR reports the figures to the CRU as part of the accountability process, to be incorporated in the monthly progress reports that are not being issued.

There would appear to be myriad rat holes and drainpipes in the transport bureaucracy, left-hand right-hand stuff and silos so that no-one has a handle on things and there is no clear chain of command.

The Citytrain Response Unit was an ill-fitting addition bolted on as a quick-fix that hasn't fixed anything.  It was to hold everyone accountable, where there has been little accountability for things such as NGR, driver shortage, operational inefficiencies etc.  The cover-up continues, ironically involving a media manager who is supposed to get the information out.

It is getting to the stage where we don't need a CRU (it doesn't do anything), but a Royal Commission.

[#Metro]

Put it all out to competitive tendering. Fix the price at the current level of funds QR is using now, and solicit bids based on service

offering, customer service, and which operator can return to normal operating timetable the fastest.

Take away their guarantee of business no matter what - they'll respond much quicker!

[ozbob]

... stand o'er and deliver or the devil he may take ya

[red dragin]

The guard school and driver school alternate, so perhaps there is nothing to report as it's not possible to have completed the training (as it's not finished).

[achiruel]

The guard school and driver school alternate, so perhaps there is nothing to report as it's not possible to have completed the training (as it's not finished).

Couldn't progress be reported? e.g. x guards have completed y% of their training, and a further a guards have completed b% ?

[ozbob]

AFAIAA 40 guards and 15 drivers have completed since October 2016.  Not sure why it is secret ..

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st May 2017

Queensland Government still believes it is open and transparent. Really?

Good Morning,

Pinch punch first day of the month!

Meanwhile the Queensland Government still believes it is open and transparent.  Really?

[ Couriermail: Queensland Government denies it's withholding public information
> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government-denies-its-withholding-public-information/news-story/2057dd7e8bdf165c2e3640ed75f0e659 ]

Where is the report into the signalling issues on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line?  Are the issues actually resolved?

Where is the business case for Cross River Rail?

Where are the details of the New Generation Rollingstock contracts and why are the new trains still not in regular revenue passenger service?
We are not being told the full story are we?  After all, it is us citizens that are paying for this botch.

Why is the Citytrain Response Unit not publicly releasing reports as we were informed they would?

Why is specific station, route and stop passenger load data hidden in Queensland?  Is it to hide the poor network design and integration inflicted on the SEQ community by the transport authorities?

When will the above information be made available please?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg191574#msg191574
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