7 Dec 2017: SEQ: Please reconsider NGR introduction to service 11 Dec 2017

[ozbob]

Media release 7th December 2017

SEQ:  Please reconsider NGR introduction to service 11 Dec 2017

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 said Queensland Rail (QR) and the Department of Main Roads (DTMR) should reconsider the decision to introduce non DDA and non DSAPT compliant New Generation Rollingstock trains into revenue service on the 11th of December 2017.

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"QR and the DTMR have clearly demonstrated that the NGR trains are not compliant when they applied for a temporary exemption for the trains to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) (1)."

"By not waiting for the determination by the AHRC and without the protection of a temporary exemption they would be liable to legal actions (2)."

"It does seem to be not in the best interests of the State of Queensland, or QR and DTMR to willingly open up the operator and the State to discrimination claims."

"There are enough problems with non compliant stations and structures on the railway network without adding to the burden."

References:

1. State of Queensland temporary exemption application
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/exemptions/exemption-applications-under-disability-discrimination-act-1992-cth

2. Queensland rail fail: Legal threat for NGR trains over disability access
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-government/queensland-rail-fail-legal-threat-for-ngr-trains-over-disability-access/news-story/d2717fe5cc1f1846bb06e8123e60e02f

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

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