Queensland Rail

[HappyTrainGuy]

The psychometric testing procedures changed when they dug deeper into the Banyo level crossing accident surrounding how the train driver at the station failed to communicate to control that a truck was stuck on the level crossing/the train driver that hit the truck not seeing it/the failures in the station attendant reporting over the PSA network. From memory the train driver at the station saw the CSA talking into a radio and thought they were in communication with control (Trains and station staff work on different radio systems so they can not hear each other) which is why he didn't see the Shorncliffe train when they normally crossed at Nudgee/Boondall and assumed that it was stopped at Bindha - despite hearing no radio traffic from control about trains stopping in that area. The train driver who hit the truck had full visual reference of the level crossing from the kink leaving Bindah but driving into the sun with a truck/transformer that blended into the station buildings/shadows and the routine of driving the same area over and over didn't register until he was closer to the level crossing as he was preparing to slow down for a stop at the station. The CSA at the station panicked and instead of calling control directly he announced an emergency over the PSA network and failed to notify his location. Control was notified that a CSA had called an emergency but were unsure of the location. When the CSA at Northgate heard the voice he reported that it was the CSA at Banyo but by then the train driver heading towards the truck had already declared emergency and hit the pan down button as he waited for the impact. All this happened over something about a 30-40 second period.

And as Gazza points out its not just that. You have to remember and know every single signal, the location of points and the speed boards and what they are, where to start slowing the train, how the train responds in various conditions, how to fault find different rollingstock and that's all before you do your actual testing and final certification that you can drive a train by yourself.

Train crew might be exempt from the new testing but they still have to be re-certified every 18-24 months or around that area.

Add all those factors together along with others that can easily rule someone out and you'll see why its not an easy process anymore.

[#Metro]

The psychometric testing procedures changed when they dug deeper into the Banyo level crossing accident surrounding how the train driver at the station failed to communicate to control that a truck was stuck on the level crossing/the train driver that hit the truck not seeing it/the failures in the station attendant reporting over the PSA network.

^^ Great explanation, thanks for the info HTG.

[ozbob]

I think there is an argument for some degree of rigour, but possibly not as harsh as they are being if experienced train drivers are failing.

Unless of course the pool of applicants was too big anyway and they needed to cull.

Its not just about safety, its about memorizing the network in a way you just don't have to on the roads (You can drive a place you've never been before and be fine, but you can't do that in a train.
There's also a level of precision needed in the job...If you drive a little too fast or slow then you muck up merges with other lines, or miss getting through a single track or passing route correctly, and cause knock on delays.

Imagine if you went on a 50km car drive, and had to not just reach your destination within a 4min tolerance, but you have to hit every point on the way at that precision too.

That's mentally demanding.

Some of the applicants rejected have been driving passenger trains in the last few years, beside freight.

Other operators do not seem to have these issues.

[HappyTrainGuy]

I think there is an argument for some degree of rigour, but possibly not as harsh as they are being if experienced train drivers are failing.

Unless of course the pool of applicants was too big anyway and they needed to cull.

Its not just about safety, its about memorizing the network in a way you just don't have to on the roads (You can drive a place you've never been before and be fine, but you can't do that in a train.
There's also a level of precision needed in the job...If you drive a little too fast or slow then you muck up merges with other lines, or miss getting through a single track or passing route correctly, and cause knock on delays.

Imagine if you went on a 50km car drive, and had to not just reach your destination within a 4min tolerance, but you have to hit every point on the way at that precision too.

That's mentally demanding.

Some of the applicants rejected have been driving passenger trains in the last few years, beside freight.

Other operators do not seem to have these issues.

If they had taken the VR (both QR and Aurizon - the later I assume to prevent working for PNQ etc) there were terms and conditions related to driving/resuming operations. I assume it has something to do with the severance pay as part of the years worked etc as part of the VR. They could also potentially now be uncertified to drive the trains. So it is a minefield.

[ozbob]

The bloke who was on leave without pay for nine years, is righto of course.

Something seriously amiss in my view, when current qualified train drivers are rejected en masse.

[#Metro]

^ well, they should have taken indefinite unpaid leave rather than resign. 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885224963090792448

[#Metro]

Got to love this setup.

Jackie Trad is the operator, regulator AND reviewer!

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

14th July 2017

GC2018 - rail fail for SEQ looms large

Good Morning,

This morning in an article at Brisbanetimes 2018 Commonwealth Games spectators to get the 5G treatment [ http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/technology/mobiles/2018-commonwealth-games-spectators-to-get-the-5g-treatment-20170713-gxar3o.html ] Gold Coast Commonwealth Games organising committee chairman Peter Beattie is quoted as commenting:

" Mr Beattie said he was aware of public concern about rail but remained confident the Queensland government would provide the new trains and carriages promised for the Gold Coast line before the Games began in April 2018.

"The director-general of Transport Minister Jackie Trad's department comes to our board meetings," he said.

"We are confident that what we have said about increasing the number of trains between Brisbane and the Gold Coast to deliver those large number of clients because the ticket includes the public transport, so I have a degree of confidence between our transport team and theirs."

Mr Beattie, that is no guarantee.  The DGTMR on his watch has presided over rail fail, Redcliffe Peninsula Line fail, and now New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) fail.

We do agree that there will be an increased frequency of trains on the Gold Coast line but at a reduced service cost on the other lines of the SEQ rail network.  Such will be the impact of rail fail and NGR fail. This will result in a non-connected dysfunctional public transport for most of SEQ for the Commonwealth Games.  Queensland Rail and the transport authorities cannot be trusted to deliver the goods in our opinion.

Rail fail must be fixed by January 2018  or the end result will be massive road congestion with transport paralysis.

Good luck Mr Beattie, you and Queensland are going to need it.

Best wishes

Robert

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

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg195147#msg195147 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885546653670809600

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885548261926293504

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885549856961449984

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885551178452393984

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885554264713478144

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885724249830309888

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail staffer sacked over issues linked to ongoing timetable problems

A QUEENSLAND Rail staffer has been sacked over issues linked to the ongoing rail timetable problems.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad released a statement this afternoon revealing a member of QR's rail safety team had been dismissed over failing to properly plan for the introduction of new safety rules that came into effect on July 1.

She says it comes after assurances from QR the new rules would not impact the already strained rail timetable turned out to be incorrect, requiring QR to be given a three-month exemption from the new safety regulations.

"While other operators have obtained exemptions, Queensland Rail had previously assured me that the national regulation would not adversely impact on the Citytrain network," Ms Trad says in the statement.

"Had this exemption not been granted, it is now clear that there would have been increased stress on the timetable," she said.

"Queensland Rail did not adequately analyse, plan and prepare for the potential impact of the national safety regulation on their operations.

"As a result of this, the Head of Queensland Rail's Safety, Assurance and Environment team, who led Queensland Rail's response to the new regulation has been dismissed.

"Queensland Rail will work with the national regulator to resolve this issue without affecting the current timetable, which was recently independently assured through the Strachan Inquiry recommended stress test."

The exemption from the Rail Safety National Law Regulations 2012 will allow Citytrain traincrew to continue to work more than 12 shifts in a 14 day period — meaning they can deliver the current timetable.

According to Ms Trad, this can occur on a voluntary basis and meets current EBA provisions and existing rigorous fatigue management provisions in place before the new laws took effect.

"I want to be clear that safety is a top priority. Queensland Rail services will still be operating safely, and must still operate in accordance with strict National Fatigue Laws and within the existing rigorous fatigue management framework that is overseen by the National Regulator," she said.

"The former State Rail Safety Regulator also audited Queensland Rail's compliance with fatigue management requirements in the last several months, including since train driver overtime levels increased, to ensure Queensland Rail has again met and fully complied with its stringent safety procedures and processes."

It is just the latest exit from QR's linked to the Citytrain timetable fiasco, which has been marked by a series of high profile resignations and sackings since late last year.

The timetable issues then had only come to light with the sudden cancellation of hundreds of services, but had been brewing behind the scenes at QR for months.

It triggered the resignations last year of QR's chief executive officer Helen Gluer and board chairman Michael Klug, along with the exits of several executives and managers.

[#Metro]

^ Can't wait to get a new PRIVATE operator to replace QR.

"Just give us more time they said"

"Just renew the contract again they said"

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885758648240099328

[Stillwater]

^^ QR will always wriggle and squirm, try shortcuts and quick fixes, push the envelope, not communicate across teams or with superiors, undertake 'smart moves', apply patches and fixes.  It goes on, and only when someone is caught out publicly, is action taken.  The poor bastard who was sacked probably was just as much a victim of the system as the customers who endure QR's service daily.

Imagine if JB Hi-Fi, or Harvey Norman offered mediocre service, shoddy goods, or the delivery truck constantly broke down due to operational or mechanical issues.  What would the customers of those companies think?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/COBrienBris/status/885709610744545280

^

[#Metro]

Look at the language.

"Queensland Rail has been successfully delivering more stable and reliable services, reducing cancellations by 70%"

Er, it has done no such thing. The goal posts were moved such that services that were likely to be cancelled no longer appear

in the timetable - at all!

They are effectively still cancellations.

This technique could be used to cancel the entire timetable, bar a single train service per day, and then claim that there was 100% on time running and 100% availability of service.

I know people like HTG like to complain to me about "METRO Melbourne cancelling services" and "METRO Melbourne skipping station stops" Queensland Rail does the same thing, they just hide it much better!!

[ozbob]

I was thinking similar in that a reduction of 70% in services cancelled is really a bit meaningless in that they are actually delivering a lot less services on a line by line basis, and of course the original reductions are dismissed (not counted if you like) in this silly claim.

OTR has not been good either.  Fleet unreliability is clearly an issue. 
Where are the new trains?  Oh, that's right the clowns at TMR have managed to botch that too (with help from the LNP/ALP).

Has it dawned yet that we are in a meltdown with no resolution in sight? 

They only have 15 non-compliant NGR trains and the rest are overseas  ..

The red submarine is heading to Davy Jones' Locker ..

[ozbob]

[BrizCommuter]

Citytrain Response Unit's first quarterly report - 8th March. Hmmm, so that makes the second quarterly report 36 days late and counting!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/885224963090792448

Indeed! 

[#Metro]

Let's just release our own report, lol.

[Cazza]

Let's just release our own report, lol.

I feel like in the crisis that QR is in, just submitting "I had pancakes for breakfast" will do as an adequate report. I mean, something is better than nothing eh?

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Another head rolls at Queensland Rail over timetable woes

Another head has rolled at Queensland Rail, following revelations the train timetable could have faced further "stress".

Transport Minster Jackie Trad said QR this week advised her it required an exemption from a national regulation that would have prevented Citytrain crew working more than 12 shifts in a 14-day period.

The regulation came into effect on July 1.

"This can occur on a voluntary basis and is in line with current EBA provisions and existing rigorous fatigue management provisions that were in place before July 1," Ms Trad said in a statement.

"The exemption will mean that train crew can continue to work safely to deliver our current timetable."

After discussions between QR, the Department of Transport and Main Roads and the National Rail Safety Regulator, QR has been granted a three-month exemption.

Ms Trad said QR had previously assured her that the national regulation would not adversely impact on the Citytrain network.

"Had this exemption not been granted, it is now clear that there would have been increased stress on the timetable," she said.

"Queensland Rail did not adequately analyse, plan and prepare for the potential impact of the national safety regulation on their operations."

Ms Trad said that as a result, the head of QR's Safety, Assurance and Environment team, who led Queensland Rail's response to the new regulation, was dismissed.

"Queensland Rail will work with the national regulator to resolve this issue without affecting the current timetable, which was recently independently assured through the Strachan Inquiry recommended stress test," she said.

Ms Trad said QR services would still operate safely and within national fatigue laws.

She said the former State Rail Safety Regulator also audited QR's compliance with fatigue management requirements in recent months, including since train driver overtime levels increased, to ensure it complied with safety procedures.

Ms Trad moved the second reading of the Rail Safety National Law bill in February.

It came after chief executive officer Helen Gluer, chairman Michael Klug and chief operating officer Kevin Wright resigned, with the head of train service delivery being stood down

Former transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe also stood down from the cabinet after the Strachan inquiry.

Opposition Transport spokesman Andrew Powell said the situation was "farcical".

"How many public servants have got to take a knife for this government's incompetence?" Mr Powell asked.

"This is yet another example of their inability to run Queensland Rail."

[#Metro]

3 months exemption is not that long given that #RailFail has been going on for 10 months now.

Exemption will expire Octoberish, then what?

[ozbob]

I guess they will have to apply for a further extension.

That is providing they are still there.  #qldvotes election could be held anytime particularly if some MPs went rogue .. #justsaying ..

[ozbob]

Let's just release our own report, lol.

I feel like in the crisis that QR is in, just submitting "I had pancakes for breakfast" will do as an adequate report. I mean, something is better than nothing eh?

Estimates in Parliament from Tuesday. 

My guess is the report is being held back to allow the Transport Minister to flash it when the heat is on next week ..

[Stillwater]

I don't get it.  Ms Trad is saying that in order to 'operate trains and the network safely', QR has to seek an exemption from national regulations that prohibit crews working more than 12 shifts in a 14-day period.

That's like an employer saying that in order for employees to work safely, safety guards around dangerous machinery should be removed.  It doesn't make sense.  There is a reason why the provision exists.

It is not safety that Ms Trad and Co. want to address, but their own political survival because crews must be flogged to death to staff the trains that operate on a diminished timetable.

[#Metro]

I don't get it.  Ms Trad is saying that in order to 'operate trains and the network safely', QR has to seek an exemption from national regulations that prohibit crews working more than 12 shifts in a 14-day period.

New ways to create government policy, Queensland:

[BrizCommuter]

https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2017/07/citytrain-un-response-unit.html
Citytrain Un-reponse Unit

[ozbob]

https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2017/07/citytrain-un-response-unit.html
Citytrain Un-reponse Unit

Sent to all outlets &

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/886037680378724352

[BrizCommuter]

^ Thanks. What ever happened to Philip Strachan? He seems to have disappeared along with the rest of any remaining Queensland Government transparency.

[ozbob]

Mr Strachan is Chairman of the QR Board. 

Another unnecessary layer of fluff. QR must be the most bureaucratised railway in Oz, let alone probably the world.

QR's Board record is dismal.  Should have been junked along with the entire ELT last November!

I reckon morale in QR must be rock bottom these days ..... here today, gone tomorrow. 

They are blame shifting to middle management. 

Wrong!

Meanwhile ...

[achiruel]

I don't get it.  Ms Trad is saying that in order to 'operate trains and the network safely', QR has to seek an exemption from national regulations that prohibit crews working more than 12 shifts in a 14-day period.

The better question is what the Feds are doing regulating suburban rail in Queensland anyway.

They don't fund it, they don't run it, and OH&S is a State responsibility.

No wonder so many people feel like we are over-governed in Australia, we have the State and Feds duplicating each other so much, a lot of $$$ could be saved if each would stick to their own area. Of course in order for that to happen, States need a broader tax base.

[#Metro]

The better question is what the Feds are doing regulating suburban rail in Queensland anyway.

They don't fund it, they don't run it, and OH&S is a State responsibility.

No wonder so many people feel like we are over-governed in Australia, we have the State and Feds duplicating each other so much, a lot of $$$ could be saved if each would stick to their own area. Of course in order for that to happen, States need a broader tax base.

Might make sense as trains travel across state boundaries it would be burdensome to have to comply with three different sets regulation, all slightly variant.

[HappyTrainGuy]

The better question is what the Feds are doing regulating suburban rail in Queensland anyway.

They don't fund it, they don't run it, and OH&S is a State responsibility.

No wonder so many people feel like we are over-governed in Australia, we have the State and Feds duplicating each other so much, a lot of $$$ could be saved if each would stick to their own area. Of course in order for that to happen, States need a broader tax base.

Might make sense as trains travel across state boundaries it would be burdensome to have to comply with three different sets regulation, all slightly variant.

Which is already what happens in Europe.

Anyway you have no idea what the hell you are talking about achiruel. In really its no different to many transport and logistic industries. For example trucks and their driver hours/rest breaks/vehicle standards such as speed restrictions etc etc which are federally mandated. Airport operations is another. This is no different. Train drivers have maximum hours before they must take a break. They have a minimum rest period between shifts. They have maximum shift allocation before mandatory rest days to prevent a build up of fatigue. This just doesn't apply to drivers. This also applies to track gangs, guys and gals that service them, contractors (previously excluded under state) etc. Rollingstock now have safety requirements that they must adhere to such as impact tests and cab design. We saw the flaws with the older diesel locomotives where they were prone to crushing the crews in the event of a cab impact. It was expensive to fix and they got around most of that by scrapping them for parts, scrapping for spares to use on retrofitted rollingstock, selling them interstate or selling them overseas.





Queensland has only recently had to apply for differences due to them being the last state to join the national rail safety regulator. NSW, TAS, SA and NT all joined when it was created in 2012 or something. Victoria and ACT joined within a year or so. WA joined midway through 2015 and Queensland joined on July 1 this year. The only reason Queensland joined was this came about after federal changes when the ATSB became the national rail safety investigator and ONRSR became the national rail safety regulator. Previously Queensland had its own rail safety investigator and regulator (which is now defunt - guess who it was though ). Now everything is reported and issued by a sole national board. Previously Queensland could have banned some rollinostock due to issues but there was no requirement of other states and operators to comply. You could also flip that in where other states banned the use of certain rollingstock due to asbestos but legally they could still continue to operate without any issue in Queensland. A safety report issued in Queensland may not have been issued in Victoria. A safety issue about asbestos in gasket fittings in NSW may not have made its way to Queensland. Many safety investigations/near misses/derailments in Queensland were never made public because of how TMR publicly released information (no requirement to). Confidential reporting has also been made easier.

So tell me where this red tape and wasted $$$ that could be saved is located?

[ozbob]

sh%t !

That is nasty ...

[ozbob]

For anyone who may not have read this ...

ATSB becomes the single national rail safety investigator

http://www.atsb.gov.au/newsroom/news-items/2017/national-rail-safety-investigator/

From midnight, 30 June 2017, the ATSB will be responsible for conducting no-blame safety investigations of rail occurrences across all of Australia.

ATSB becomes the single national rail safety investigator

From 1 July, legislation will be in effect that will see the ATSB officially become the single national transport safety investigator for rail, as it takes on responsibility for investigating rail accidents and incidents in Queensland.

To support this expanded responsibility, the ATSB recently signed an agreement with the Queensland State Government to facilitate its investigation of accidents and incidents on the state's metropolitan and regional passenger, and freight rail networks.

The ATSB's investigation role will occur concurrently with the Office of National Rail Safety Regulator, which oversees rail safety regulation in every Australian state and territory.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Greg Hood welcomed the new role for the national transport safety investigator.

"This is an important new stage in transport safety in Australia," said Mr Hood. "It represents the culmination of a project that began on 19 August 2011, when the Council of Australian Governments committed to national rail safety reforms.

"We're eager to work more closely with the rail industry in Queensland, and we'll continue to work with rail operators to ensure they understand the new arrangements and how those arrangements are going to improve transport safety.

"The ATSB has extensive investigation experience in the rail, aviation and marine sectors—a move to a fully national investigation role for rail will further enhance transport safety in Australia."

The rail industry makes a significant contribution to the Australian economy and greater consistency of national safety requirements will help increase productivity and efficiency across the sector.

More information on rail accident or incident notifications.

[BrizCommuter]

Mr Strachan is Chairman of the QR Board. 

Well he doesn't seem to be doing much good then!

[ozbob]

It is intriguing to ponder that Mr Strachan was the person who conducted the Commission of Inquiry and is now Chairman of the QR Board.

But we still have the Citytrain Response Unit to make sure the organisation achieves the recommendations the Mr Strachan made. 

As I mentioned earlier I think the overdue CRU Quarterly Report will be tabled this week for Estimates for a bit of flourish.

However there is no hiding the very poor service frequency and broken connections all over.

Governments in Queensland have failed, and failed badly.