New Generation Rollingstock

[SurfRail]

^ Exactly, the DDA issues are (despite their significance) probably secondary at this point.  The things have numerous other issues being worked on.

[petey3801]

I personally wouldn't read too much into the importation halt of the NGRs, as it would have happened anyway as Wulkuraka is quite full at the moment! Not really much/any more room to put any more until they start being accepted in to revenue service IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if Bombardier went to the Gov with the list of issues, their remedies and a rough timelime for those remedies and said 'we either need to start getting these in to revenue service with fixes done after they enter service or we have to halt the importation of any more units', to which the Gov chose the latter.
(Note: This is all educated guesswork and could be wrong, it is purely my opinion of the importation halt).

[ozbob]

I follow Bombardier on social media and I note many trains and trams being built and successfully introduced globally and even in Australia. 

Why on earth does it go so wrong in Queensland?   

[SurfRail]

I'd say their worst run to date has probably been the new TTC streetcars in Canada, but we might be giving them a run for money soon.

[achiruel]

Could many of these issues perhaps be related to specification rather than implementation? With all the obfuscation from the State Government, it's quite difficult to tell.

[ozbob]

Anyone know what is going on with #NGR trains?
DDA compliant or not? Other issues sorted?
> https://t.co/Pi7J8rCtJU#qldpol #NGRfail pic.twitter.com/noQwkmpRNM

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 30, 2017

^

Hey @SmartState1 @katejonesqld @CoraleeORourke
Not looking too bright hey Cobbers?#qldpol#railfail on steroids https://t.co/js8fckh6DK

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 30, 2017

[Stillwater]

That next report from the Citytrain Response Unit is going to be a fascinating read, when it's eventually prepared. 

[ozbob]

Anyone know what is going on with #NGR trains? DDA compliant or not? Other issues sorted?
> https://t.co/Pi7J8rCtJU ... #qldpol #NGRfail pic.twitter.com/reMc0m7tqJ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) May 31, 2017

[ozbob]

 

[BrizCommuter]

That next report from the Citytrain Response Unit is going to be a fascinating read, when it's eventually prepared. 

It'll be smoke and mirrors.

[tazzer9]

That next report from the Citytrain Response Unit is going to be a fascinating read, when it's eventually prepared. 

I don't think they have even bought the printer for their office yet.

[LRV 018]

Saw my first one in the flesh today! Apologies for the horrible photography, seeing an NGR took me a little by surprise
NGR 702 sitting in Robina yard (the new section, part of the stabling expansion program for those unaware).

Not clear the in photo, but desto says "Brisbane Airport". Does anyone know if 702 has actually been doing test runs to the Airport or is it merely for show?

Unfortunately it seems as though seeing isn't believing, the fact it's sitting at Robina doesn't reflect any progress on the fleet's rollout it would seem :conf

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

2nd June 2017

Are the New Generation Rollingstock trains unable to be introduced for service?

Good Morning,

It does appear that the New Generation Rollingstock trains are not Disability Discrimination Act compliant.  This means should they be introduced in a non-compliant condition that legal action would be taken by some to have the situation corrected.

We have been requesting a clear statement as to the issues with the New Generation Rollingstock trains  and what is being done to fix them for months.  The citizens of Queensland are being treated with contempt by Government and the failing transport authorities.

It is now 468 days since the first NGR train was towed to Wulkuraka.  Unacceptable that these trains are not in revenue service already. Absolutely unacceptable.

I requested the Queensland Auditor General (QAG) conduct an audit into the NGR project botch on the 9th March 2017.  This is how serious we regard these matters. Still waiting for a response on this request from the QAG.

We are in serious trouble with our rail network.  The Queensland Rail aging train fleet is plagued by constant mechanical issues with flow on cancellations and delays.

The NGR trains are needed today!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media: Are the New Generation Rollingstock trains unable to be introduced for service?
> https://t.co/PiAgAzLyQQ#qldpol@jackietrad pic.twitter.com/4soiNCy7oM

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 1, 2017

Still confident @SmartState1 @katejonesqld ?
Absolute basket case NGR failure ..#qldpol pic.twitter.com/HLBRarG6oP

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 1, 2017

[ozbob]

NGR theme song ' This train will be taking no passengers '
> https://t.co/VaXJafEClt#qldpol#NGRfail

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 2, 2017

Gossip is that ' NGR ' stands for ' Not Going Right ' in some circles ..#qldpol#NGRfail
Pic of me c. 1954 onboard my favourite tank engine pic.twitter.com/NbglxV40gr

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 2, 2017

[Stillwater]

Words from Bombardier site:

Bombardier is delivering an effective public transportation solution for Queensland residents with its New Generation Rollingstock project (NGR). 75 new, high performance electrical multiple unit (EMU) trains will operate across the entire South East Queensland rail network, which covers more than 800 km. All commuters will experience increased availability, capacity, comfort and safety including enhanced security, WIFI, air conditioning and accessible toilet facilities.

http://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/projects/project.EMU-Queensland-Australia.html?f-region=middle-east-and-africa

Statement from the Qtectic Consortium:

http://www.qtectic.com/the-ngr-project

[ozbob]

Something to be optimistic about ...

This weekends track closure for Bowen Hills to Doomben, Airport, Shorncliffe, Caboolture, Gympie North and Kippa-Ring notice at http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/forcustomers/trackclosures

has this for ' works include ':

Rail replacement, ballast removal and replacement, isolator replacement, overhead line and track maintenance, station upgrade works, New Generation Rollingstock preparation works, sleeper replacement, track reconditioning, new earth wire installation

Is this something to do with stopping marks or something?

[Cazza]

Getting close to the big 500!!! Are we going to have a commemoration to reflect its life in Australia? We could make a photo album- 1 photo for each day. But then again, most would be just it inside the workshop.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

5th June 2017

New Generation Rollingstock trains - what is going on?

Good Morning,

Will we get a clear and detailed statement as to the compliance of NGR trains with the DDA act this week?

And a detailed list of the other problems with the NGR trains and what the fixes are?

Commonwealth Games is rapidly approaching.  Importing of NGR trains is suspended. The current train fleet is plagued with ' mechanical issues '.

Will the Queensland Auditor General respond to our request for an audit into this botched project?

What is going on please?  Now 471 days since NGR 701 was towed from the Port of Brisbane to Wulkuraka.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

2nd June 2017

Are the New Generation Rollingstock trains unable to be introduced for service?

Good Morning,

It does appear that the New Generation Rollingstock trains are not Disability Discrimination Act compliant.  This means should they be introduced in a non-compliant condition that legal action would be taken by some to have the situation corrected.

We have been requesting a clear statement as to the issues with the New Generation Rollingstock trains  and what is being done to fix them for months.  The citizens of Queensland are being treated with contempt by Government and the failing transport authorities.

It is now 468 days since the first NGR train was towed to Wulkuraka.  Unacceptable that these trains are not in revenue service already. Absolutely unacceptable.

I requested the Queensland Auditor General (QAG) conduct an audit into the NGR project botch on the 9th March 2017.  This is how serious we regard these matters. Still waiting for a response on this request from the QAG.

We are in serious trouble with our rail network.  The Queensland Rail aging train fleet is plagued by constant mechanical issues with flow on cancellations and delays.

The NGR trains are needed today!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media: New Generation Rollingstock trains - what is going on?
> https://t.co/1MJXZUPMEW#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @N_Scales_TMR pic.twitter.com/JVluzvd6Q3

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 4, 2017

^

Why are the problems being hidden?
What is there to hide hey ?? #qldpol #NGRfail = #railfail on steroids pic.twitter.com/XfupTYUGVv

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 4, 2017

^

Gossip is that ' NGR ' stands for ' Not Going Right ' in some circles ...#qldpol#NGRfail
Me onboard a BP Garratt at Fyansford 1956 pic.twitter.com/eja0dlx8g4

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 4, 2017

[ozbob]

Closest I've got to an NGR train in the 471 days since they arrived. When will I get to see a REAL one? #qldpol @jackietrad @Robert_Dow pic.twitter.com/hILet1aiIA

— Andrew Lewis (@Derwan1) June 5, 2017

[BrizCommuter]

There is an NGR in Mayne Yards this morning, next to the mains. I now believe they exist!

[ozbob]

There is an NGR in Mayne Yards this morning, next to the mains. I now believe they exist!

You are now a believer!!   

[red dragin]

There is an NGR in Mayne Yards this morning, next to the mains. I now believe they exist!

[BrizCommuter]

NGR 703 was still in Mayne Yard this evening for the trainspotters.

[300LA]

Caught the train past Main Yards this evening. The driver even gave an announcement that the NGR was in the stabling yard.

[ozbob]

6th June 2017

New Generation Rollingstock trains - what is going on?

Good Morning,

Will we get a clear and detailed statement as to the compliance of NGR trains with the DDA act this week?

And a detailed list of the other problems with the NGR trains and what the fixes are?

Commonwealth Games is rapidly approaching.  Importing of NGR trains is suspended. The current train fleet is plagued with ' mechanical issues '.

Will the Queensland Auditor General respond to our request for an audit into this botched project?

What is going on please?  Now 472 days since NGR 701 was towed from the Port of Brisbane to Wulkuraka.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

New Generation Rollingstock trains (or Not Going Right trains)
Days mount up .. what is going on @jackietrad @TMRQld @N_Scales_TMR #qldpol pic.twitter.com/4ZOJaXARYH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 5, 2017

^

We are tiring of the bumbling incompetence on display for all to see ..
> https://t.co/JGsXJgl9Fs#qldpol#NGRfail #toobusycountingcash pic.twitter.com/JXSN2foqoH

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 5, 2017

[ozbob]

Spotted an NGR on the move this morning first at Darra West - down on Down main.

Has some nice headlights, very bright, white powerful. As soon as I saw the lights coming up behind me ( was in a horseless carriage just turned on Warrender at the village ) guessed it was a NGR due to the headlights.

Through Darra station at down 4.45am, couldn't get the number but noted ballast in lead carriage.

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 6th June 2017 page 17

Trains remain a cause for concern

[ozbob]

7th June 2017

New Generation Rollingstock trains - what is going on?

Good Morning,

Will we get a clear and detailed statement as to the compliance of NGR trains with the DDA act this week?

And a detailed list of the other problems with the NGR trains and what the fixes are?

Commonwealth Games is rapidly approaching.  Importing of NGR trains is suspended. The current train fleet is plagued with ' mechanical issues '.

Will the Queensland Auditor General respond to our request for an audit into this botched project?

What is going on please?  Now 473 days since NGR 701 was towed from the Port of Brisbane to Wulkuraka.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Tick tick ... New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) aka Not Going Right trains ..
Still hiding the facts we note ..#qldpol#NGRfail pic.twitter.com/aCajDGYHAq

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 6, 2017

^

Hey @SmartState1 @katejonesqld days are passing by ... #railfail festers along ...
NGR trains not in revenue service. #qldpol #NGRfail pic.twitter.com/Kei6ZxTyb0

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 6, 2017

[Stillwater]

Ahh, don't you just love an open, honest and transparent government, responsive to people's concerns and needs.

[verbatim9]

I saw one on the Ipswich line yesterday.

Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk

[ozbob]

[Stillwater]

Even the 'next generation' Thomas the Tank Engine has problems during its trials.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

9th June 2017

New Generation Rollingstock trains needed urgently

Good Morning,

Will we get a clear and detailed statement as to the compliance of NGR trains with the DDA act?

And a detailed list of the other problems with the NGR trains and what the fixes are?

Commonwealth Games is rapidly approaching.  Importing of NGR trains is suspended.

The current train fleet is plagued with ' mechanical issues '. The last couple of days has been a long list of cancelled and delayed services due to ' mechanical issues ' [ See -->  https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=1862.msg193587#msg193587 ].  Friday today, even less services with the so called ' Friday Timetable ' - an insult to passengers.

Sadly ' reliability ' the catch cry of ' Fixing the Trains ' is a myth.  Will the Citytrain Response Unit release their ' regular report ' on progress now that 3 months have passed since the last one?

Will the Queensland Auditor General respond to our request of the 9th March 2017 for an audit  into this botched project?

What is going on please? It is now 475 days since NGR 701 was towed from the Port of Brisbane to Wulkuraka.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest media: New Generation Rollingstock trains needed urgently
> https://t.co/63Ao9YUMJA#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @N_Scales_TMR pic.twitter.com/D1ZbV5mVld

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 8, 2017

Only a matter of time before the truth emerges ...
There are botches, and there are Qld botches!
NGR = Not Going Right in Bigwilly#qldpol pic.twitter.com/DVrBqnN60X

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) June 8, 2017

[SurfRail]

702 has been stabled at Robina for most of the past week

[ozbob]

Some feedback received, thanks!

As a mobility impaired user of public transport particularly rail I have considerable concerns with regard to disability access at a number of stations and the trains themselves and increased concerns regarding disabled access to the NGR trains which I am reliably informed are not compliant for disability access under the applicable government legislation.

I previously emailed requesting information with regard to what the arrangement will be for assisted access to the NGR trains as it is my understanding that the guard will be stationed in the rear (trailing) drivers cab of these trains while the guard currently travels in the leading cab of the trailing three car set of a six car train and is in a position to provide assistance to disabled persons boarding the train, I again ask that you provide advice as to the intended procedure with the NGR trains with the guard traveling at the rear of the train.

I received an acknowledgment to your receipt of my Email of the 1st March 2017 but to this date no response addressing the points raised.

Am further advised that the NGR train sets are not disability compliant due to the manner in which the toilet is located and configured and that the toilet module does not provide sufficient room for a person entering the toilet on a standard sized wheelchair or a motorised wheelchair to turn around and transfer across on to the pedestal.  The toilets on the diesel tilt trains are disability compliant in a carriage that is no wider that the NGR trains so why are the toilets on the NGR trains not compliant.

It has also been noted that the toilet module blocks access from carriage 3 to carriage 4 because it restricts the clearance between the wall of the toilet module and the end of carriage gangway, again making this doorway non compliant.  This could well pose a major safety problem for any disabled person in the event of the train having to be evacuated.

The lack of a response parallels the arrogant, dismissive and contemptuous lack of response from TMR and Translink when these questions have been raised, Queensland Rail has been more responsive but unable to respond to the questions raised because the NGR trains are under the control of TMR.

I would also again raise the point of the platform heights and the safety and ease of all passengers boarding or alighting from trains as the majority of platform are below the height of the carriage floor, in some cases the difference is as much as 40cm or more, this is difficult for the elderly and mothers with small children to negotiate. In the process of providing disability access short sections of the platforms in the middle of the trains are being railed to carriage floor level, it would be highly beneficial if when such works were being undertaken the entire platforms were raised for the benefit of all passengers.  The recent work carried out at Dinmore station took over 15 months to raise 2/3rds of the platform length, it would have been far more cost effective to have raised the platforms full length, by comparison the three platforms at South Brisbane were raised full length in just over three weeks.