New Generation Rollingstock

[ozbob]

I wonder how this worked out?

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/897955328653803521

[ozbob]

I am becoming very concerned about the looming Commonwealth Games and the lack of progress with the NGR trains.

The same bumblers bumble on ...

It is looking increasingly grim for our rail network.  Fleet unreliability will further compound the ' service reductions ' that will no doubt occur to support increased frequency on the Gold Coast line for the games.   I doubt that NGR trains will be in service, time is going faster than stations on the old Darra Flyer .. (the old Roma St <> Darra express).

Folks, we have a giant cluster-fuk on our hands ...

[Stillwater]

^^ State Government in denial .... 'she'll be right' is the attitude currently.  You are correct -- they will grab a train from anywhere on the day to keep the GC service running throughout the Commonwealth Games.  Of course, they are forgetting than people might be relying on catching the cancelled train to make their connection with the GC services in order to get to Games events.   

[Cazza]

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12830.0

^If worst comes to worst... (looking very much of a likely option at the moment)

[Stillwater]

  Thanks

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/899312289039253504

[Stillwater]

Wondering what happened at the meeting involving the disability sector ... nothing like open and transparent government, Queensland style.

[InclusionMoves]

Wondering what happened at the meeting involving the disability sector ... nothing like open and transparent government, Queensland style.

Sorry Stillwater that is my fault for getting caught up and not posting an update. Extremely limited by commercial in confidence as to what I can say but can certainly speak to the options put forward by the disability sector as they were put forward from us right from the start and we have not and will not deviate from them as they are compliant and fit for purpose. Redesigned toilet module. Second toilet in the other accessible carriage to avoid the non compliant gangway being an issue and guards cabin slotted into the now wasted space that was the gangway are all still there on the table. Disability sector were very impressed with the seriousness put on the issue by virtue of the heavy hitters from gov that attended. Not counting chickens obviously but good to see the issues getting the airing they deserved.
Geoff 

[ozbob]

^ thanks for the update Geoff. 

[tazzer9]

why do we need a guards cabin.    Guard being at the back is not an issue.  At worst, do what wellington does and have guard controls on all the doors.

[BrizCommuter]

why do we need a guards cabin.    Guard being at the back is not an issue.  At worst, do what wellington does and have guard controls on all the doors.

Due to Unions, and subservient to Unions government.

[tazzer9]

why do we need a guards cabin.    Guard being at the back is not an issue.  At worst, do what wellington does and have guard controls on all the doors.

Due to Unions, and subservient to Unions government.

Just bring back brake vans, and firemen while we're at at.

[Stillwater]

Without giving away commercial in confidence stuff, does this mean the government has sorted out what it wants to do and is committed to a course of action?  Is there a timeline for resolution, or a date set for getting adapted train sets on the tracks, in commercial service?

[InclusionMoves]

why do we need a guards cabin.    Guard being at the back is not an issue.  At worst, do what wellington does and have guard controls on all the doors.

Due to Unions, and subservient to Unions government.

Just bring back brake vans, and firemen while we're at at.

Guard being at back is a failure point for people with disability. Too many communication breakdowns are occurring now leaving passengers in crisis when the guard and person with disability are located at the same spot. Let alone when they are tens of meters apart. Picking a person with disability out on a crowded platform is near impossible for some impairment groups that need support (vision impaired, those with an ambulant disability etc etc). This isn't about bringing back things of the past or covering for unions. Purely based on ensuring that a person with disability is treated the same as a person without. Which is critical for a government not looking to have discrimination cases where systemic failure of communication mechanisms or simple guards not able to follow procedure (like logging in their communication book that they have loaded a passenger who uses a wheelchair so the next guard to come on duty half way through the route knows) will result in massive pain both operationally and politically.

Geoff           

[James]

There is no reason why we could not have SNOs performing disability service roles (i.e. what the guards do now) on board NGRs, aside from the RTBU & their comrades not wanting to be made irrelevant by technology.

Would help reduce fare evasion too.

[ozbob]

I think we need to sit back and let the wheels turn (so to speak) as to what the actual modifications might be in the end.

One thing is clear to me though, the NGRs are perhaps many months away yet before their introduction to revenue service.

In fact I am not confident they will be in service for the Games.  TMR sat on the DDA issues for almost two years before digits were extracted.

That has not helped at all, has it?  The blunderers are still there blundering on ... 

PS.  My grand daughter obtained a ' NGR ' for me at the Ekka.  Isn't she sweet ...

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/899433935792259072

[Arnz]

There is no reason why we could not have SNOs performing disability service roles (i.e. what the guards do now) on board NGRs, aside from the RTBU & their comrades not wanting to be made irrelevant by technology.

Would help reduce fare evasion too.

I wouldn't recommend the SNOs to those roles.  Keep them roving the entire TL network.

However I would recommend the role above be given to QR's AOs.  Give them a job to do rather than twiddle their thumbs at Roma Street or Central between runs whilst waiting for the QPS RAil Squad to accompany them on the security/odd revenue patrol.

[red dragin]

Spotted NGR heading south across the North Pine River bridge at about 2pm.

The wife saw it too, so I wasn't imagining it (could have been a mirage though).

[ozbob]

Spotted NGR heading south across the North Pine River bridge at about 2pm.

The wife saw it too, so I wasn't imagining it (could have been a mirage though).

Might have been a reflection of the cardboard NGR from the Ekka? 

Anyway, at least crew training/testing of NGRs is going on ...

[techblitz]

Guard being at back is a failure point for people with disability. Too many communication breakdowns are occurring now leaving passengers in crisis when the guard and person with disability are located at the same spot. Let alone when they are tens of meters apart. Picking a person with disability out on a crowded platform is near impossible for some impairment groups that need support (vision impaired, those with an ambulant disability etc etc). This isn't about bringing back things of the past or covering for unions. Purely based on ensuring that a person with disability is treated the same as a person without. Which is critical for a government not looking to have discrimination cases where systemic failure of communication mechanisms or simple guards not able to follow procedure (like logging in their communication book that they have loaded a passenger who uses a wheelchair so the next guard to come on duty half way through the route knows) will result in massive pain both operationally and politically.

speaking of......jumped on the train to richands this afternoon which arrived there @ 416pm. Walking up the stairs I hear a faint help sound coming from the carriage closest to guards cabin.......look down and there is the guard blowing his whistle......too bad he totally forgot about his passenger that needed assistance getting off....the poor passenger was freaking out.....had to yell @ the top of my voice from halfway up the stairs to get the guards attention.
Luckily he caught on and stopped train from leaving....very close call.....she would have had another 30 mins wait at springfield had the guard not caught on.....and it would have been yet another case of passengers requiring assistance completely forgotten....

[ozbob]

Nice work TB, thank you.

[InclusionMoves]

Thanks on behalf of the disability community techblitz. Don't want to seem anti guard at all by the way guys and girls I know some do amazing work most of the time. My issue is more around learning from mistakes and ensuring you are not relying on a system that plainly doesn't work. When an org see's a system just doesn't work. It should be looked into so it is not repeated. The mistake you stopped generally results in a belated apology from CEO then everyone moves on till the next time. Till the culture of treatment of people with disability gets bad enough that no one internally blinks an eyelid when issues like the building of a pedestrian bridge at Banyo accessed only by stairs happen. Culture is a slippery slope. If there are reasons why mistakes are happening get to the bottom of them and fix them permanently. That is how you change culture. One incident at a time. We let QR do this for years without results before I started Inclusion Moves and started to make them more well known and therefore accountable. We hoped a change in CEO would change culture. However given it is still occurring it just means another name on the apology letter.

Geoff

Guard being at back is a failure point for people with disability. Too many communication breakdowns are occurring now leaving passengers in crisis when the guard and person with disability are located at the same spot. Let alone when they are tens of meters apart. Picking a person with disability out on a crowded platform is near impossible for some impairment groups that need support (vision impaired, those with an ambulant disability etc etc). This isn't about bringing back things of the past or covering for unions. Purely based on ensuring that a person with disability is treated the same as a person without. Which is critical for a government not looking to have discrimination cases where systemic failure of communication mechanisms or simple guards not able to follow procedure (like logging in their communication book that they have loaded a passenger who uses a wheelchair so the next guard to come on duty half way through the route knows) will result in massive pain both operationally and politically.

speaking of......jumped on the train to richands this afternoon which arrived there @ 416pm. Walking up the stairs I hear a faint help sound coming from the carriage closest to guards cabin.......look down and there is the guard blowing his whistle......too bad he totally forgot about his passenger that needed assistance getting off....the poor passenger was freaking out.....had to yell @ the top of my voice from halfway up the stairs to get the guards attention.
Luckily he caught on and stopped train from leaving....very close call.....she would have had another 30 mins wait at springfield had the guard not caught on.....and it would have been yet another case of passengers requiring assistance completely forgotten....

[Stillwater]

Suggest that everyone with an NGR cutout model meets at King George Square once a month to play trains together.  It is the closest the public will get to one of these for some time.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

22nd August 2017

Request for a detailed update on New Generation Rollingstock train project

Good Morning,

We continue to note the New Generation Rollingstock (a.k.a. Not Going Right) - NGR trains running around the SEQ rail network apparently for testing and/or crew training. The NGR trains are not in revenue passenger service.

It is now 549 days since the first NGR train number 701 was towed out to Wulkuraka.  We understand there have been recent meetings with the Queensland Rail Accessibility Reference Group representatives as to what might need to be done to the NGR trains to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.

It does seem clear that the introduction of these NGR trains into revenue service is a long way off yet?

Will the 15 NGR trains in country really be ready for the Commonwealth Games April 2018? In the absence of detailed public information we have our doubts that they will be ready. We don't believe spin and bluster.

Despite constant requests for detailed information on this botched project the Government continues to try to bury what has to be the biggest botch in the history of public transport in Queensland. Again we call for a detailed statement from Government as to the real status of the NGR project.

Our requests for an audit into this botched project by the Queensland Auditor General was turned down.  Requests for an inquiry into this project summarily dismissed.

Well the way this botched project has been managed will probably result in the Government being ' summarily dismissed ' by the electorate. Time for clarity and honesty.

Blunderers blunder on at TMR.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/899675250585067520

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/899677224755798016

[BrizCommuter]

Suggest that everyone with an NGR cutout model meets at King George Square once a month to play trains together.  It is the closest the public will get to one of these for some time.

BrizCommuter's cutout model just got crushed by BabyCommuter 

[ozbob]

Suggest that everyone with an NGR cutout model meets at King George Square once a month to play trains together.  It is the closest the public will get to one of these for some time.

BrizCommuter's cutout model just got crushed by BabyCommuter 

Oh dear ... I hope this is not a harbinger of things to come! 



(I have a spare one).

[#Metro]

NGR = Not Getting Re-elected 

[ozbob]

A partially assembled ' NGR '  ...  perhaps a metaphor of sorts ...

[Cazza]

A partially assembled ' NGR '  ...  perhaps a metaphor of sorts ...

I feel like it's more of a reality than a metaphor...

[BrizCommuter]

Still time to enter the BrizCommuter caption competition - you know you want to enter Mr Scales !
https://brizcommuter.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/brizcommuter-2017-caption-competition.html

[ozbob]

 

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900026849874526209

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

23rd August 2017

SEQ Public transport is a ' custard fluck ' ...

Good Morning,

Rail fail festers on, now 327 days since the first wave of cancellations associated with rail fail (30th September 2016).  The public has been suffering cancellations, delays and reduced services since then, with no relief in sight.  We have had many weeks of industrial action on the Brisbane buses now too.  The public transport network is in a shambles. The New Generation Train project completely botched!  People cannot rely on the network for anything that is time critical these days.  Many have been forced to abandon public transport sadly because of the constant disruption.

Queensland has been let down by our public transport authorities.  Incompetent and backside covering.  Time the Premier and Deputy Premier got control of this shambles and fixed it!  If they are unable to do that, stand aside and let those who will! Enough is enough!

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

22nd August 2017

Request for a detailed update on New Generation Rollingstock train project

Good Morning,

We continue to note the New Generation Rollingstock (a.k.a. Not Going Right) - NGR trains running around the SEQ rail network apparently for testing and/or crew training. The NGR trains are not in revenue passenger service.

It is now 549 days since the first NGR train number 701 was towed out to Wulkuraka.  We understand there have been recent meetings with the Queensland Rail Accessibility Reference Group representatives as to what might need to be done to the NGR trains to meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.

It does seem clear that the introduction of these NGR trains into revenue service is a long way off yet?

Will the 15 NGR trains in country really be ready for the Commonwealth Games April 2018? In the absence of detailed public information we have our doubts that they will be ready. We don't believe spin and bluster.

Despite constant requests for detailed information on this botched project the Government continues to try to bury what has to be the biggest botch in the history of public transport in Queensland. Again we call for a detailed statement from Government as to the real status of the NGR project.

Our requests for an audit into this botched project by the Queensland Auditor General was turned down.  Requests for an inquiry into this project summarily dismissed.

Well the way this botched project has been managed will probably result in the Government being ' summarily dismissed ' by the electorate. Time for clarity and honesty.

Blunderers blunder on at TMR.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900035052624420865

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900040211400278016

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900041448313110528

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900767652515160064

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/900768560703709184

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[Stillwater]

It's time the Minister gave a comprehensive status report.

From a consultant's report:

"As NGR implementation coincides with the Commonwealth Games there is pressure on all parties for timely approval of the new fleet. At the time of interviewing, there were 140 deficiencies, including door control and brake control, that needed to be rectified in the NGR commissioning process. There appears to be a blockage in resolving the issues with the remaining deficiencies. In the Consultant´s experience, this type of situation requires an independent mediator to assist the parties to resolve the matter.

"It is understood that 18 NGR trains are required to service the proposed Commonwealth Games timetable (we note that the timetable is still being agreed and this number may change). There is a tight commissioning schedule for NGR trains as two to three are planned to be commissioned every month. Due to the current blockages and high risk of 'juvenile failures', a conservative view would be that 18 NGR trains will not be ready by April 2018. Furthermore, a number of interviewees identified the risk that not enough train crew would be available to meet the proposed timetable.

"Given the need for the retiring EMU and ICE fleets to operate at 94% of availability for the Commonwealth Games, there is a high risk of delays due to failures. For example, the Citytrain rollingstock reliability report from May 2017, states that since April 2016, of the 19 highest delay contributing incidents, 16 were caused by the EMU fleet.

"The QR NGR and Commonwealth Games project teams do not appear to be adequately staffed. In contrast, a major project such as ETCS appears to have sufficient staff at this early procurement tender stage. As the NGR and Commonwealth Games are priority projects, there may be an opportunity to temporarily redeploy staff between the project teams."

RECOMMENDATIONS

"Although QR has engaged its own independent verifier, consider jointly engaging a verifier acceptable to both Bombardier and QR to assist the parties in resolving the remaining deficiencies.

"That QR confirm whether there are adequate numbers and levels of engineers for the purposes of approving NGR trains (also consider the balance between outcomes, standards, safety and the customer).

"That QR continue to closely monitor the commissioning of the NGR trains and the planning in relation to ensuring there are adequate numbers of train drivers for the purposes of the Commonwealth Games.

"That QR develop options (including detailed action plans) to mitigate risks to the successful delivery of NGR/Commonwealth Games.

"Consider whether resources from longer-term projects (e.g. ETCS) could be redeployed to support the NGR and Commonwealth Games operational readiness projects for the period up to May 2018."

Warning: Clusterfuk fast approaching.  QR has been informed of the problems and the possible solutions.  What's the betting they stuff it?

AND, the consultants have identified the elephant in the room:

"The Consultants observed a general lack of trust and partnership between QR and TransLink/TMR. This appears to have developed over time with the changing relationship between the parties and the shifting of responsibilities away from QR.

"The tension between the parties was observed in relation to matters such as:

"Major project interfaces not working as effectively as they need to (e.g. for NGR acceptance - QR considers that they are being pressured to accept the trains whereas in TMR's view the QR engineers are being overly cautious)
"Clarity of roles, responsibilities and accountabilities between the parties (e.g. who is responsible for the development of strategy and which aspect of strategy)
"There is general confusion and competition for the customer (e.g. in the area of customer communications)."

AND why those train line problems?

"In the Consultant's experience, a standardised line categorisation is important for the purposes of guiding the network maintenance schedule. Without this approach, problems can occur in relation to inconsistent and inefficient maintenance cycles."

AND the consultants identified problems with driver training and found that:

"There is a need for a robust review of the heavy reliance on the use of overtime in parts of the organisation, including consideration of the impacts of this practice.

"Identify methods to modernise and streamline in-house training programs."

Lo and behold, the consultants found that there are silos at QR:

And the recommendations?

"Investigate whether managers have an existing shared commitment toward the achievement of a common goal (e.g. OTR KPI) and develop measures to develop or enhance this commitment

"Review whether the set-up of a management trainee program for newly recruited or promoted managers, including job shadowing and project involvement in other divisions, could be adopted to enhance their understanding of other business units' remits and challenges

"Consider whether it is appropriate to make a change to the organisational structure."

RailBOT has been banging on about all these issues for the past two years, or longer.

[#Metro]

Everybody get out and push the train! HEAVE!!   

[red dragin]

Everybody get out and push the train! HEAVE!!   

That'll depend if the doors can be opened or not.

[Cazza]

Everybody get out and push the train! HEAVE!!   

That'll depend if the doors can be opened or not.

Well the EMU leave theirs shut but IMU/SMU trains leave theirs open during transit. So luck of the draw I guess

[Stillwater]

^^ LOL