New Generation Rollingstock

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail Media Release

Wednesday, 6 December 2017

New trains to begin service next week

The first of South East Queensland's newest trains are ready, and will start passenger
services next week.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said the first of the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR)
trains would commence passenger service on Monday 11 December 2017 on the Gold
Coast line.

"Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have completed
comprehensive testing and have confirmed that the trains are fit and ready for revenue
service," Mr Easy said.

"The NGR trains are essential to meeting demand during the Gold Coast 2018
Commonwealth Games and our team has worked around the clock to ensure they were
ready this year.

"More trains will be rolled out on the Gold Coast to Airport line over the coming months,
including some services to Doomben and Northgate, and will eventually operate across the
entire South East Queensland passenger rail network.

"The first three trains will be wrapped in an original indigenous artwork, by creative agency
Gilimbaa and lead artist Riki Salam, which symbolises pathways across the land to the sea
that open up country and connect the people of Queensland.

"As the NGR fleet commences passenger services for the first time, each train's
performance will be closely monitored.

"Over the past few months, TMR, Queensland Rail and Qtectic have been working hard to
close out the outstanding action items and ensure the trains were safe and ready for service.

"Operations at the NGR Maintenance Centre at Wulkuraka, west of Ipswich, are ramping up
with more than 175 staff currently employed to ensure the first services run smoothly.

"I'd like to thank the teams from TMR, Qtectic, and Queensland Rail who have worked
extremely hard behind the scenes to get to this milestone."

Work is also underway to enhance the functionality and compliance of the trains and make
them more accessible for more customers.

"As announced in September 2017, the NGR trains will be redesigned to create two fleets –
approximately 35 with two toilets and 40 without toilets," Mr Easy said.

"TMR and Queensland Rail have submitted a joint temporary exemption application to the
Australian Human Rights Commission to address non-compliances while the NGR trains are
redesigned and rectified.

"As the rectified NGR trains are expected to progressively roll-out onto the South East
Queensland rail network in 2019, NGR trains in their existing design will be utilised for
passenger service in the interim."

NGR train fast facts:
Full 75-train fleet will deliver an extra 10,000 seats on QR network
147 metres long
Six carriages
Carrying capacity of 964 people (454 seated, 510 standing)
Weighs 260 tonnes
16 traction motors rated at 250 KW each with a total power of 4 MW
53 internal and external CCTV cameras with movement sensors
36 LCD infotainment screens (six in each car)
On-board toilet with baby change table
Overhead 'dropper' handles and seat handles for standing passengers
Open gangways (doorways) fitted at each inter-car connection.

For more information about the project please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ngr
Video content

Application of the indigenous artwork on the NGR train:

https://youtu.be/NDnm6nLBgqc

Getting to know the NGR train: https://youtu.be/pvMUZ2UDVM8

-ENDS-

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

6th December 2017

NGRs to commence revenue service 11 Dec 2017

Greetings,

Been advised that the New Generation Rollingstock trains are to commence revenue passenger service on the 11 Dec 2017.

This is despite the temporary application for an exemption because of their non compliance with the DDA and DSAPT not yet finalised.
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/exemptions/exemption-applications-under-disability-discrimination-act-1992-cth

I think this just reflects the wider attitudes in Queensland towards DDA and DSAPT compliance.  Other recent examples include partial platform raising,  and constructing a new non compliant footbridge at Banyo railway station.

Previous legal advice suggested that there are risks proceeding without an exemption.
14 Nov 2017 Couriermail Queensland Rail trains on track for legal disaster

Translink has tweeted that the trains are ' ready to roll-out onto the Gold Coast/Airport lines '.
https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/938221456764399616

The NGRs might look pretty but they are still not compliant and there is no exemption. They might be ' ready to roll-out ' in some minds but reality is they are not from the disability sector perspective.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[#Metro]

Maybe the trains are compliant because they lock the toilet.

Hope you all have a strong bladder!

Typical Queensland government - there is a major problem, but let's put cosmetic wrap on it and release it for public service anyway. Isn't the wrap pretty?

Operator should have been tendered out ages ago.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938238298811645953

[SurfRail]

Maybe the trains are compliant because they lock the toilet.

Hope you all have a strong bladder!

Typical Queensland government - there is a major problem, but let's put cosmetic wrap on it and release it for public service anyway. Isn't the wrap pretty?

Operator should have been tendered out ages ago.

In this case it is the entire Department which should be contracted out.

[ozbob]

Would seem that both Queensland Rail and DTMR have weighed up their legal and other advice and reckon because they have outlined a rectification plan they can run them as they see fit.

They apply for an exemption and then ignore it.  Typical of the failure state that is Queensland.

Good luck with it QR and DTMR.  I think you might need it ..   

[ozbob]

The other thing to note is they have pulled this move during the ' caretaker ' period.  My guess very deliberately so.

So that our elected representatives can escape scrutiny on it at present.

Hard to have any faith in DTMR after this caper hey?

[ozbob]

Understand two more NGR trains  at the Port of Brisbane.  Possibly being moved to WMC tonight.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland rail fail: NGR trains finally ready for rollout

THE first of Queensland Rail's trouble-plagued New Generation Rollingstock trains will start taking passengers next week — a year after the original launch date.

Chief executive Nick Easy said today comprehensive testing had been carried out and the trains were finally "fit and ready for revenue service".

Mr Easy said the trains, which were "essential" to cater for increased passenger numbers during April's Commonwealth Games, would be in use from Monday on the Gold Coast line.

It follows 12 months of delays and redesigns which the State Labor Government blamed on the previous LNP administration, which awarded the contract to Canadian manufacturer Bombardier in 2012.

Maryborough-based Downer EDI had traditionally provided Queensland Rail's rolling stock, but withdrew from the tender process in 2011.

The trains needed redesigning to address driver visibility, the lack of guard cabins and disability access. The cost to taxpayers of the refits was estimated at $150 million.

During the recent election campaign Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the repair work would be performed by Downer.

Last month The Sunday Mail revealed NGR trains had spent months at sea and in Vanuatu as the Government was locked in a stand-off with Bombardier.

The NGR rollout comes a month before the Gold Coast light rail stage two begins operation, allowing train passengers to connect with tram services at Helensvale station.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938262559622250496

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/938262207258755072

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938266826177355777

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938267762773843969

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland rail fail: NGR trains finally ready for rollout

DISABILITY advocates have attacked a plan to put the state's troubled new passenger trains into service despite unresolved access problems.

The plan to begin rolling out the first of the new trains next week pre-empts a looming decision by the Australian Human Rights Commission on whether the non-compliant trains should be given an exemption from meeting disability access standards.

Queensland Rail chief executive officer Nick Easy today announced plans to put the first train in service on the Gold Coast line on Monday.

Mr Easy said the a joint temporary exemption application had been made to the commission to address non-compliances while the trains were redesigned and fixed.

He said the trains would be used on the network while the rectified trains were progressively rolled out.

"The NGR trains are essential to meeting demand during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and our team has worked around the clock to ensure they were ready this year," he said.

The trains, approved by the previous LNP administration, would be the first of the seriously delayed $4.4 billion project to enter service.
The New Generation Rollingstock fleet is finally rolling out.

They were first planned to be running by mid-2016, but the project timeframe blew out due to a series of mechanical and design flaws.

Problems include aisles in train carriages too narrow for those with a disability to navigate and on board toilets too small for wheelchairs.

Transport Minister Jackie Trad in September revealed the disability access problems would cost the State Government $100 million to fix.

A decision on the Government's urgent application to the commission is not expected until after public consultation in January, just months before the Games.

An independent report this year found 18 of the NGR trains would be needed to meet the Games' transport plan.

The State Government has so far been unable to say how many would be ready.

Disability advocate Geoff Trappett slammed today's announcement, and said he would lodge a complaint with the commission.

"We are amazed and appalled at the arrogance of Queensland Rail to be putting into service an NGR train they know is non-compliant," Mr Trappett said.

Last month The Sunday Mail revealed NGR trains had spent months at sea and in Vanuatu as the Government was locked in a stand-off with Bombardier.

The NGR rollout comes a month before the Gold Coast light rail stage two begins operation, allowing train passengers to connect with tram services at Helensvale station.

[ozbob]

7 News Brisbane --> Troublesome NGR trains to hit Qld tracks

Three of Queensland Rail's troubled new trains have been cleared for service, but it's still unclear how many will be on track in time for the Commonwealth Games in April.

Two of the New Generation Rollingstock trains will be deployed on Monday on the Gold Coast and Airport lines, while one will be held in reserve.

QR CEO Nick Easy said it was pleasing to finally have some of the $4.4 billion train fleet ready to roll out.

"There's been an enormous amount of work and a team effort to achieve these outcomes," Mr Easy told reporters on Wednesday.

"We've always said these trains will enter service by the end of the year, and we've been able to do that through the good work of all our teams."

Canadian manufacturer Bombardier has been building the trains at its Indian manufacturing plant after signing a contract with the previous Newman government in 2014.

But the Palaszczuk Labor government halted the contract in 2016 amid concerns over problems with the new trains, including line-of-sight issues, braking and disability access.

The three trains being rolled out represent a small fraction of the 75 ordered, and Mr Easy couldn't say exactly when the rest of the rolling stock would come online.

"There will be a progressive deployment of the balance of the trains until we have 75 trains that have completed their commissioning and assurance processes."

Mr Easy also couldn't confirm how many trains would be running during the Commonwealth Games in April, committing only to releasing the integrated transport plan for the event closer to the start date.

"The number of trains (ready for the Games) will be based on how many have passed their assurance tests, and we'll service the timetable we'll release in the new year."

There are currently 21 trains on the ground in Queensland, including the three which have already been cleared for service.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said earlier this year she hoped to have 15 of the trains functional in time for the games, but later backed away from that figure.

Mr Easy explained that some of the trains would have to be modified in Australia because they had been manufactured before the issues were identified, while others would have their issues addressed at the point of manufacture.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938274813021442048

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938276335595728897

[ozbob]

ABC News --> QR can't promise more than three new trains before Commonwealth Games

Queensland Rail (QR) cannot promise more than three new trains will be running in time for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next April, and is not ruling out further problems with those few.

The rollout of Next Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains was delayed for more than a year after hundreds of defects and safety issues were identified.

Today, QR chief executive Nick Easy confirmed the first three trains would hit the tracks on Monday morning.

Mr Easy said he was confident all the trains were safe, but admitted they had not been tested with passengers.

"There's been a lot of testing, a lot of commissioning, we've run them on the network, we haven't run them under load conditions," he said.

"Customers on the Gold Coast and the airport line will be the first to experience these services in the lead up to the Commonwealth Games."

The Queensland Government signed a multi-billion-dollar contract to have 75 of the NGR trains built in India to replace the state's aging current fleet.

Twenty-one of the trains have been delivered to Queensland, all of them with significant problems that need fixing.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Jackie Trad said she hoped 15 of the new trains would be ready for use in the Commonwealth Games.

But today Mr Easy could not guarantee any more than the current three.

"The timetable for the Commonwealth Games is still under development," he said.

"The number of trains that will be ready will be on the basis of them passing all the assurance tests and will service the timetable that we will release in the new year.

"We will aim to deploy as many of these trains as possible."

Mr Easy said the three new trains being rolled out had been worked on in Queensland for more than a year.

Four more trains are en route from India to Queensland.

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> 175 staff on hand at Wulkuraka for NGR train roll out

THE first of the long-awaited new trains will start passenger services next week.

On December 11, the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will be rolled out on the Gold Coast line, Queensland Rail says.

As Queensland Rail prepares for a larger scale roll out, operations at the Wulkuraka maintenance facility are ramping up with more than 175 staff on hand to ensure services run smoothly. 

It has been more than 650 days since the first NGR train rolled into Wulkuraka.

Queensland Rail CEO Nick Easy said the new trains had undergone comprehensive testing and were "fit and ready for service".

The trains are not compliant with disability standards.

An application lodged by the State Government and Queensland Rail for a temporary exemption, allowing the trains to be commissioned ahead of the Commonwealth Games, is yet to be decided.

Mr Easy said the NGR trains were essential to meet demand during the Games.

"More trains will be rolled out on the Gold Coast to Airport line over the coming months, including some services to Doomben and Northgate, and will eventually operate across the entire South East Queensland passenger rail network," Mr Easy said.

"The first three trains will be wrapped in an original indigenous artwork, by creative agency Gilimbaa and lead artist Riki Salam, which symbolises pathways across the land to the sea that open up country and connect the people of Queensland.

"As the NGR fleet commences passenger services for the first time, each train's performance will be closely monitored.

Work is also underway to enhance the functionality and compliance of the trains and make them more accessible for more customers.

"As announced in September 2017, the NGR trains will be redesigned to create two fleets - approximately 35 with two toilets and 40 without toilets," Mr Easy said.

"TMR and Queensland Rail have submitted a joint temporary exemption application to the Australian Human Rights Commission to address non-compliances while the NGR trains are redesigned and rectified.

"As the rectified NGR trains are expected to progressively roll-out onto the South East Queensland rail network in 2019, NGR trains in their existing design will be utilised for passenger service in the interim."

NGR train fast facts

    Full 75-train fleet will deliver an extra 10,000 seats on QR network
    147 metres long
    Six carriages
    Carrying capacity of 964 people (454 seated, 510 standing)
    Weighs 260 tonnes
    16 traction motors rated at 250 KW each with a total power of 4 MW
    53 internal and external CCTV cameras with movement sensors
    36 LCD infotainment screens (six in each car)
    On-board toilet with baby change table
    Overhead 'dropper' handles and seat handles for standing passengers
    Open gangways (doorways) fitted at each inter-car connection.

[ozbob]

Why would the State of Queensland (QR & DTMR) apply for a temporary exemption then decide to proceed without that imprimatur?

Several factors I would suggest:

1.  There is very serious concern with the state of the present train fleet particularly with respect to constant mechanical failures.  QR is desperate to get the trains into revenue service. Also they want time to bed down some new trains prior to the Commonwealth Games. Remember the NGRs were meant to be in service mid 2016.

2.  Understand that under the contract dates and deadlines they have to start accepting more trains.  Otherwise there are financial penalties and the contract could be terminated at considerable loss to the State.  These things are  ' commercial in confidence '  but now again a leaky boat sails down the Brisbane River under Victoria Bridge ..

3.  They reckon with the timelines with respect to the application at AHRC that no one (person or organisation) will have the time to raise a complaint before they hope they get granted an exemption.  Problem with this is it is all or none.  What if an exemption is not granted in the end?  What if an organisation or individual seeks an injunction against the introduction of the NGR trains into revenue service because they are not legally compliant?  A complaint could take months.  An injunction application could take less than a week.  Bit of a gamble.

4. DTMR are duplicitous.  They will do anything to save their backsides.

The very sad signal this sends though this introduction of the non compliant trains into service without an exemption is that the authorities are not really serious about compliance.  This has much wider ramifications than just trains per se.  It is also a sign of a culture that permeates Government and  its bureaucracy.  They talk the talk, but definitely do not do the walk.   

They have just gone up several degrees of contempt in my eyes.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938308750607253505

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938320676875747329

[ozbob]

On balance, I was prepared to write to support the granting of the temporary exemption because of the rectification plan, despite the appalling NGR project management and treatment of the disability sector over the past several years. However, now, because of today's actions I will be making a submission opposing the granting of a temporary exemption.  Probably p%ssing into the wind, but I will certainly feel better about myself. The trains should have been compliant from the outset.  They are not and need to be fixed so that they are before introduction into revenue service.  The DDA is law.  Ask federal politicians about S44 and the law?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/938321356612972544

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/938318678545850369

[brissypete]

On a positive note the wraps don't cover the windows so one can see out of the train.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

[HappyTrainGuy]

Why would the State of Queensland (QR & DTMR) apply for a temporary exemption then decide to proceed without that imprimatur?

Another would be to get bugs out of them that didn't turn up during testing. Even when Perth had theirs and when we finally started getting the SMU260/IMU160 here many bugs were found. Both in the running gear and software. Some of which were serious enough to need another unit to recover it and remove them from revenue service until they could be repaired. If you get a few months of real passenger testing done that can then change how the other trains are brought online and solve issues before going into a big event such as the com games. You can then also get the bugs of operating the NGRs from a crew and PSA side so when the games do start everyone would be well prepared and still not learning/getting used to procedures etc.

And the EMUs are seriously getting problematic with the increased running/lack of spares and seriously old electrical/computer design. I think EMU56? still has a problematic electrical issue with one of the doors near the cab. Depending on what button you press either you get both doors opening or just the left hand door with the right one remaining locked in place. And remember the SMUs they too aren't far behind as they are based off the EMUs.

[ozbob]

^

Understand that HTG.

1.  There is very serious concern with the state of the present train fleet particularly with respect to constant mechanical failures.  QR is desperate to get the trains into revenue service. Also they want time to bed down some new trains prior to the Commonwealth Games. Remember the NGRs were meant to be in service mid 2016.

The fact is this is now a total fukup from the DDA perspective.  The signal this sends to certain sections of the community is very disheartening.  We all know this non compliance should have been out of the way a long time ago.  Intransigence and incompetence by DTMR has lead to the farce we are now observing essentially.  Queensland Rail is going to cop a lot collateral reputational damage now IMHO.  And add to the general service cuts and rail fail it is very sad outcome for us all.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland rail fail: Legal threat for NGR trains over disability access

QUEENSLAND Rail has exposed itself to costly legal action by rolling-out new trains that fail to meet disability access laws from next week, according to its own internal legal advice.

QR's chief executive officer Nick Easy yesterday made the surprise announcement that the heavily-delayed $4.4 billion New Generation Rollingstock trains would start work Monday.

It means the trains will start taking passengers despite breaching disability access laws and ahead of an outcome on a bid by the State Government to win an exemption from the rules.

The State Government and QR applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission for an urgent exemption in September, arguing the trains were desperately needed to meet the surge in demand for rail services during next April's Commonwealth Games.

Design flaws include inaccessible toilets and aisle widths too narrow for wheelchairs.

But QR has pushed the go button on the trains weeks ahead of the Commission handing down its decision.

It has exposed QR to the risk of court action, according to legal advice obtained in September.

As first revealed by The Courier-Mail last month, the internal advice warned the rail operator and the State Government was at "risk of claims, particularly injunctive proceedings, brought by affected individuals or representative interest groups."

"This risk will crystallise if non-compliant (trains) are operated in passenger service," it says.

"There is also an earlier risk of injunctive action to the extent a court accepts QR or the State intends to operate non-compliant (trains) in passenger service (i.e. even if it has no already done so."

Disability advocate Geoff Trappett said the sector would complain to the Commission – the first step in potential court action for an injunction against the trains entering service.

"We are amazed and appalled at the arrogance of QR to be putting into service an NGR train they know is non-compliant," he said.

"It is shameful that this development has occurred while the Government is in caretaker mode. This is an orchestrated campaign to release the trains during the caretaker period."

Mr Easy yesterday said QR had "committed to rectifying the trains and will continue to work closely with the Human Rights Commission and the disability sector throughout this process."

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

7th December 2017

Expediency & non compliant NGR trains

Good Morning,

The decision to introduce the Next Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains into revenue service without a temporary exemption being finalised is a clear signal that the State Of Queensland puts expediency before correct actions.  This NGR non compliant situation is now a total public relations disaster ( if it wasn't already ).  The signal this sends to certain sections of the community is very disheartening.  We all know this non compliance should have been out of the way a long time ago.  Intransigence and incompetence by DTMR has lead to the farce we are now observing essentially.  We believe that Queensland Rail is going to cop a lot more reputational damage from this. When you add this the general rail service cuts and rail fail generally it is very sad outcome for all.

Why would the State of Queensland (QR & DTMR) apply for a temporary exemption from the AHRC then decide to proceed without that imprimatur?

Several factors I would suggest:

1.  There is very serious concern with the state of the present train fleet particularly with respect to constant mechanical failures.  QR is desperate to get the trains into revenue service. Also they want time to bed down some new trains prior to the Commonwealth Games. Remember the NGRs were meant to be in service mid 2016.

2.  Understand that under the contract dates and deadlines they have to start accepting more trains.  Otherwise there are financial penalties and the contract could be terminated at considerable loss to the State.  These things are  ' commercial in confidence '  but now again a leaky boat sails down the Brisbane River under Victoria Bridge . There is no more room at Wulkuraka for more NGR trains.  They have to be out on network.  More trains arrived overnight.

3.  They reckon with the timelines with respect to the application at AHRC that no one (person or organisation) will have the time to raise a complaint before they hope they get granted an exemption.  Problem with this is it is all or none.  What if an exemption is not granted in the end?  What if an organisation or individual seeks an injunction against the introduction of the NGR trains into revenue service because they are not legally compliant?  A complaint could take months.  An injunction application could take less than a week.  Bit of a gamble.

4. DTMR are duplicitous.  They will do anything to save their backsides because the rail network is facing meltdown as we lead into the Commonwealth Games because DTMR has failed to proactively manage the non-compliance of the trains.

The very sad signal this sends though this introduction of the non compliant trains into service without an exemption is that the authorities are not really serious about compliance.  This has much wider ramifications than just trains per se.  It is also a sign of a culture that permeates Government and its bureaucracy.  They talk the talk, but definitely do not walk the walk. 

Last March we made a request to the Queensland Auditor General to audit this botched project.  This was declined.  We have since made a number of calls for a Commission of Inquiry into the NGR mess.  These calls are ignored and both DTMR and QR steam-roll the community.  We again call for the incoming Government to set up a Commission of Inquiry so that the true circumstances that lead to this failure can be brought into the clear light of day and steps taken that such an admonition as the NGR project has been is avoided in the future.

Interesting reading:

Kevin Cocks v State of Queensland 24 August 1994
https://www.access.asn.au/index.php/accessibility-in-the-built-environment/legal-outcomes/queensland-anti-discrimination-tribunal/60-brisbane-convention-and-exhibition-centre

Couriermail: 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

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

6th December 2017

NGRs to commence revenue service 11 Dec 2017

Greetings,

Been advised that the New Generation Rollingstock trains are to commence revenue passenger service on the 11 Dec 2017.

This is despite the temporary application for an exemption because of their non compliance with the DDA and DSAPT not yet finalised.
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/exemptions/exemption-applications-under-disability-discrimination-act-1992-cth

I think this just reflects the wider attitudes in Queensland towards DDA and DSAPT compliance.  Other recent examples include partial platform raising,  and constructing a new non compliant footbridge at Banyo railway station.

Previous legal advice suggested that there are risks proceeding without an exemption.
14 Nov 2017 Couriermail Queensland Rail trains on track for legal disaster

Translink has tweeted that the trains are ' ready to roll-out onto the Gold Coast/Airport lines '.
https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/938221456764399616

The NGRs might look pretty but they are still not compliant and there is no exemption. They might be ' ready to roll-out ' in some minds but reality is they are not from the disability sector perspective.

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/938442974953746433

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> The first of the government's new trains is ready to roll

Talking points

    The first three New Generation Rollingstock trains will be available for passenger service from next week.
    An application for a temporary exemption for disablity access issues to the Human Rights Commission is yet to be decided.
    The New Generation Rollingstock trains are crucial for the operation of the Commonwealth Games timetable in April.

The first of Queensland's New Generation Rollingstock trains will finally take passengers from Monday - a year-and-a-half after they were supposed to be operational.

But the move has been slammed by disability advocates as "appalling", because the Australian Human Rights Commission is yet to decide on an application for a temporary exemption for disability access issues.

Ordered under the previous LNP government, the first NGR trains were due to be operational in mid-2016, but after the discovery of significant issues, including problems with braking, air-conditioning, sight lines for drivers and disability access, delivery was halted in March 2017.

Queensland Rail chief executive Nick Easy said the first two NGR trains would start passenger services from Monday, December 11 on the Gold Coast and Airport lines, with a third would be in reserve.

"The first three trains have completed comprehensive testing and they are fit and ready for service," Mr Easy said.

"The NGR trains are essential to meeting demand during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games [in April] and our team has worked around the clock to ensure they were ready this year."

But disability access issues, including the toilets being too small for wheelchairs, were yet to be resolved.

Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have applied to the Australian Human Rights Commission for a temporary exemption to the Disability Discrimination Act and Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport while the trains were redesigned and upgraded for disability access.

Mr Easy said the redesigned NGR trains were expected to be progressively rolled out onto the south-east Queensland network in 2019, so the trains would be used for passenger services in their existing design in the interim.

The commission was yet to make a decision on the application - and public submissions close mid-January.

Disability advocate Geoff Trappett, from Inclusion Moves, was scathing of the decision to roll-out the NGR trains before the Human Rights Commission finding.

"The disability sector is appalled at the arrogance that Queensland Rail would put a train on the tracks that even by their own legal advice is not compliant," he said.

"The disability sector will certainly use whatever legal avenues it has at its disposal."

However, Mr Easy said QR was committed to rectifying the trains.

"[We] will continue to work closely with the Human Rights Commission and the disability sector throughout this process," he said.

News Corp last month reported QR was warned by its lawyers the government could face a court challenge over discrimination if the trains were used before problems were fixed.

In September, it was revealed the NGR trains would be redesigned to create two fleets - about 35 with two toilets and 40 with no toilets.

This week, there were 21 NGR trains in Queensland, out of the 75 trains in the fleet.

Mr Easy could not yet say how many NGR trains would be in service for the Commonwealth Games.

"The timetable for the Commonwealth Games is still under development, it's an integrated timetable which we are working with Department of Transport and Main Roads, it doesn't only include trains, it includes buses and it includes ferries," he said.

An independent review by German railway operator Deutsche Bahn, completed in August, argued 18 NGR trains were required for the Commonwealth Games timetable.

The Human Rights Commission declined to comment.

[ozbob]

Railway Gazette --> NGR EMUs ready to enter service in Brisbane

AUSTRALIA: The first of 75 New Generation Rollingstock trainsets being built by Bombardier for the Brisbane suburban network are expected to begin carrying passengers on December 11, Queensland Rail Chief Executive Officer Nick Easy confirmed on December 6.

With 70% of Queensland's population growth expected in the South-East region, the NGR project is intended to provide a 26% increase in capacity as well as allowing the replacement of Brisbane's oldest EMUs dating from 1979. Each six-car set has capacity for 964 passengers including 12 spaces for people with reduced mobility.

The EMUs are being supplied under an A$4·4bn PPP concession awarded to the Qtectic consortium of Bombardier, John Laing, Itochu and Aberdeen Standard Investments. Built at Bombardier's Savli plant in India, the trains are to be maintained for 32 years at the purpose-built Wulkuraka depot near Ipswich, which will eventually employ around 200 staff.

To date Bombardier has delivered 19 units for commissioning and testing, of which three are to be put into revenue operation. They will initially be deployed on the Gold Coast line between Brisbane Airport and Varsity Lakes, where QR's Robina stabling facility is the first of seven being upgraded to service the trains. Up to 18 sets will be needed to enhance capacity during the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.

Following an announcement by Transport Minister Jackie Trad in September that further work was required to ensure the trains complied with accessibility standards, QR and Qtetic have reportedly applied for a temporary exemption to allow the first units to enter service pending modification. Easy said the rectified trains would be rolled out 'progressively' over the coming months.

'Today is a very special day for the people of South-East Queensland', said Andrew Dudgeon, Managing Director of Bombardier Transportation Australia. 'The new fleet will provide a safer, more comfortable and better-connected passenger experience.' Qtectic Chair Bill Haughey added that a 'close partnership' had seen 'all parties working tirelessly to bring the project to this important milestone'.

[HappyTrainGuy]

^

Understand that HTG.

1.  There is very serious concern with the state of the present train fleet particularly with respect to constant mechanical failures.  QR is desperate to get the trains into revenue service. Also they want time to bed down some new trains prior to the Commonwealth Games. Remember the NGRs were meant to be in service mid 2016.

The fact is this is now a total fukup from the DDA perspective.  The signal this sends to certain sections of the community is very disheartening.  We all know this non compliance should have been out of the way a long time ago.  Intransigence and incompetence by DTMR has lead to the farce we are now observing essentially.  Queensland Rail is going to cop a lot collateral reputational damage now IMHO.  And add to the general service cuts and rail fail it is very sad outcome for us all.

Its always sad thinking about and seeing how the business has been gutted by pollies trying to save a buck or two along with them looking like they are doing something. It was such a money making machine winning contracts all across Australia worth hundreds of millions. Yeah, lets sack 1500 staff and freeze staff recruitments.... but hush hush on the extra OT everyone now has to put in to make up for it - those figures will come out after we have flogged it off and it becomes someone elses problem. Lets outsource the designing and planning division to save even more money. We can save even more by not consulting with the people that have to accept the fleet.

Some here will know the detailed history/timeline of events so its easy to see how the hell we ended up here. Meanwhile the same people are out looking like they are doing something while not doing anything. The people that end up copping it from p%ssed  off users are the front line staff.

[ozbob]

Interview CEO QR on 4BC Ben Davis 6th December 2017

Click here! MP3 5.2 MB

[BrizCommuter]

So which RailBOT members will be on the inaugural NGR service? (Wheelchair and full bladder optional).
Will try and board at Park Rd.

[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]

Media release: SEQ: Please reconsider NGR introduction to service 11 Dec 2017
> https://t.co/Dft5pBBwS6#qldpol pic.twitter.com/tTwPjVHBrJ

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) December 7, 2017

[ozbob]

Be a real shame if this degenerates into legal actions.  Unnecessary if they think about it.

I strongly suspect that the  ' late ' application to AHRC was part of a plan to force AHRC's hand.  They have known the trains are not compliant for around 18 months. 

[ozbob]

So which RailBOT members will be on the inaugural NGR service? (Wheelchair and full bladder optional).
Will try and board at Park Rd.

I will not be able to make it.  I expect it will be a busy service, in more ways than one.

It was announced on the radio (ABC Brisbane) during an interview that there will be a representative PWD to challenge the non compliance by actuality and from there a discrimination claim will follow.  How sad.  If DTMR had their act together ( a dream I know) this could have been handled with a lot less grief and angst. 

[MichaelJ]

I honestly hope the politics of certain groups doesn't tarnish this awesome event for QLD.