6 Feb 2017: QR reform proposals do not go far enough

[ozbob]

Media release 6th February 2017



QR reform proposals do not go far enough

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed the Commission of Inquiry report into the Queensland Rail Train Crewing Practices and the government's acceptance of the 36 recommendations, but says the proposed changes don't go far enough.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"We seek clarification from government as to the functions of the proposed CityTrain Response Unit, which has the potential to add another layer of bureaucracy to an organisational structure and its interplays with TransLink and the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

"Obviously we are deeply concerned that a build-up of leave entitlements and fatigue may further reduce the availability of train crew over the coming months, requiring further cancellation of services and that full timetabled services can't realistically be resumed until late 2018 (assuming 10 per cent overtime) or mid-to-late 2019 (assuming no overtime).

"There will be ongoing disconnection between buses and trains for the next two years, conceivably, resulting in a much lower level of service and poor coordination among transport modes; thus making a complete nonsense of an integrated transport network for South-East Queensland and network reform.

"There would appear to be acceptance of this from Queensland Rail and government, because Mr Strachan, the Commissioner says: 'Queensland Rail faces a continued risk of service cancellations. The Commission expects that operational strain will mount in critical periods such as the period leading up to and around Easter 2017, the increase in testing and training for New Generation Rollingstock from April 2017 and the Commonwealth Games in 2018.'

"Nowhere in the government response to the Commission of Inquiry report does the Palaszczuk government say how this critical strain will be alleviated."

Mr Dow continued: "Clearly, there are systemic and organisational issues within Queensland Rail that QR is yet to address adequately, although we note there will be enforced oversight of changes against the government's 'five-point plan of action'.

"Rail Back on Track will continue to advocate for a Public Transport Authority for South-East Queensland to fix the transport mess, of which the rail fail is but a part."

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


References:

1. Queensland Rail Train Crewing Practices Inquiry
https://www.strachaninquiry.qld.gov.au/

2. Public Transport Queensland ?
https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg187089#msg187089

[ozbob]

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