ARTICLE - Cairns Tilt Train cancelled

[Otto]

Cairns Tilt Train cancelled until further notice
10 April 2009




QR has announced today that the diesel Cairns Tilt Train service had been cancelled until further notice.

QR Passenger Executive General Manager Paul Scurrah said, in consultation with CEO Lance Hockridge, he had acted to cancel the service on receipt of information provided by the Rail Safety Regulator.

?Following the collision between the Cairns Tilt Train and a B-double truck at Rungoo on 27 November 2008 a full independent investigation into the circumstances of the accident was instigated by QR and the Rail Safety Regulator,? Mr Scurrah said.

?While that investigation is still ongoing preliminary information has raised issues concerning the specification, design and subsequent testing and construction of the Cairns Tilt Train.

?We have commenced work immediately with our technical and engineering experts to provide assurances to the integrity of design and construction.

?We have acted on the side of caution and cancelled services until the nature of the issues raised can be addressed.

?We are contacting all passengers scheduled to depart on the service tonight and on the return service on Sunday, advising of an alternate service arranged on the Spirit of the Outback and offering rebookings or a full refund to customers if this is not suitable.

?I apologise for the inconvenience this disruption will cause.

?However, our number one priority is safety.?

?Service disruptions have been minimised because the next scheduled service is not due until next Friday due to the closure of track associated with the Caboolture to Beerburrum track duplication project.

For more information on Traveltrain service changes, people can visit www.traveltrain.com.au or call 1800 627 655.

PLEASE NOTE PAUL SCURRAH WILL HOLD A MEDIA CONFERENCE AT 12.45PM ON THE CENTRAL CONCOURSE AT CENTRAL STATION.  FOR FURTHER MEDIA INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT 0409 494 296.

[ozbob]

Discussion on this here --> http://backontrack.org/mbs/index.php?topic=2123.0

Regards
Bob