New Generation Rollingstock

[InclusionMoves]

Just don't even need to make fun of some of the things written there Stillwater :-)

Meanwhile, QR peddles the bulls*-t:

"People with disabilities are entitled to the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities as other people. Queensland Rail understands the connective role it plays in peoples' lives and is committed to improving access to its passenger rail services.

"At Queensland Rail, we strive to promote accessibility for all members of the community. We do this by working with our customers to remove barriers and pioneer solutions that support inclusive communities.

"As a public transport operator, Queensland Rail's obligations under the DDA are specified in the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) and the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 (Premises Standards). Both the Transport and Premises Standards (collectively referred to as the Disability Standards) stipulate minimum requirements for the provision of accessible transport premises, services and facilities. Many of the standards rely on Australian Standards in setting out the requirements.

"All new services coming into operation after October 2002 must be fully compliant."

AND (cough, cough)

"Where practicable, Queensland Rail has adopted the most up-to-date Australian Standards to provide a higher level of access than the minimum requirements. The up-to-date Australian Standards reflect improved application and understanding of the needs of customers with disabilities and this approach assists Queensland Rail in creating a more sustainable rail environment capable of responding to changing circumstances and local community needs.

"Our program of work continues to be shaped by the voice of our customers. We are committed to capturing their feedback about accessibility issues and considering different perspectives.
"Infrastructure upgrades to stations and train overhauls remain the major focus for improving existing service accessibility. Providing an accessible network for a wide range of customers will be central to our decision making process."

Do you believe it?  QR wants you to ... simply because they have said it.

[#Metro]

As much as people may want to make out that this is DTMR's doing, both DTMR and Queensland Rail represent the State of Queensland.

They are one and the same.

Queensland Rail has allegedly become an "accessory" to non-compliance by agreeing and accepting to implement the instructions given to it.

QR may not have come up with the original idea for the NGR trains, but is a participant in the whole saga.

[InclusionMoves]

Agree #Metro

I can sleep at night knowing the disability sector gave QR multiple chances to come out on the good side of this under 2 different CEO's. The second of which could have obviously done it without even getting hands dirty cause the bad stuff was done before his time. But he chose the wrong side of history.

Geoff

As much as people may want to make out that this is DTMR's doing, both DTMR and Queensland Rail represent the State of Queensland.

They are one and the same.

Queensland Rail has allegedly become an "accessory" to non-compliance by agreeing and accepting to implement the instructions given to it.

[ozbob]

There will be a lot of hype, glossy media and how wonderful the new trains look etc. etc. today.

They are good looking units.  However some of us will wonder why such a blunder-fuk is possible with the sorry history of this botched project.  A blunder-fuk on so many levels. 

Nothing short of a commission of inquiry is needed.  The QAG and AO are another failed unit IMHO.  This project is out of control cost wise (fixes and labour) and they (AO) still stand off.

Queensland Rail is a stained organisation now in my eyes, and in many other eyes no doubt.  Matters little if there are complicit or just following orders.  Even in the Army one is not obliged or legally expected to follow an illegal order. One resists.  Running the trains without a proper exemption under the current legislation is illegal.  Nothing can change that now.

#resistmediocrity #NGRfail

A brief NGR summary.

Project was commenced under the Bligh ALP Govt.

The Newman LNP Government decided to order trains from Bombardier 2013 complete overseas build. Local manufacturers declined to tender. Unfortunately the design Bombardier was given to build was non DDA nor DSAPT compliant and was in a DOO configuration.  No reference was made to the QR cab committee during the design stage.

Feb 2016 first NGR trains arrive.  It was to become clear that the  driver cabs had issues, and the trains were non compliant. Other technical issues with the trains.

NGR trains commence track testing midyear 2016.

Disability sector made constant representations re DDA compliance issues.  Progress appeared to be limited until IM went public Mar 2017.

Importation of NGR trains suspended.

A DDA compliance plan developed and finally put to the AHRC Sept 2017.  Still waiting for that outcome of that temporary exemption application.

Train import suspension lifted a few months ago. As far as we are aware the 21 NGRs presently in Quensland and 4 on the water are still non DDA compliant although the new ones do have improved cabs I understand.

A DDA rectification plan was costed at $100 million or thereabouts.  And because it is too costly to fix the non compliant passageway connection between cars 3 and 4, it was decided to change the NGRs to 35 6 car trains with two toilets, the remaining 40 6 car trains  to be non toilet equipped. (Initial design plan was for the 75 6 car trains to each have a single toilet). Toilets will be modified to make them compliant for the sets with the two toilets.  SEQ rail is stuck with more toilet-less trains for another 30 years plus.

Guards will be located in the trailing driver cabs.  This presents some issues for assisted boarding.  The solution is additional station staff. 21 additional staff have been employed to support the initial NGR introduction.

The State of Queensland (DTMR/QR) has decided to not wait for the temporary exemption application outcome at AHRC and will commence revenue service of NGR trains on Monday 11th December 2017.  There are serious legal risks in doing this under the DDA and DSAPT.

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/939892653570777088

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/939893403302498304

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/939894728580927488

[MichaelJ]

Today is the day! Media and enthusiasts a-like will be able to get photos of TG02 on the platform with the new 700 Series. Wonder what will work it?!

[MichaelJ]

Make that CityTrain 1G02 for those playing at home.

[techblitz]

sadly I will probably end up having to use one of these today as I'm heading down to tweed/north Burleigh for work.......hopefully I get an older train.....you know.....a train that doesn't discriminate against people in a wheelchair...

[ozbob]

Make that CityTrain 1G02 for those playing at home.

NGR 704 is on the  first service revenue service.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/darthcaligula66/status/939957910255235072

https://twitter.com/darthcaligula66/status/939959839505051648

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/939960173614874624

https://twitter.com/darthcaligula66/status/939963227307352064

[ozbob]

^ discrimination claim triggered.

[BrizCommuter]

In which carriage (3rd or 4th) is the illegal toilet? Will be joining at Park Rd for a brief trip to the toilet.

[ozbob]

In which carriage (3rd or 4th) is the illegal toilet? Will be joining at Park Rd for a brief trip to the toilet.

Depends on which way the train is. One or the other ...

[ozbob]

In which carriage (3rd or 4th) is the illegal toilet? Will be joining at Park Rd for a brief trip to the toilet.

Depends on which way the train is. One or the other ...

Been advised toilet is in car 4 in direction of travel (inbound) at present.

[BrizCommuter]

In which carriage (3rd or 4th) is the illegal toilet? Will be joining at Park Rd for a brief trip to the toilet.

Depends on which way the train is. One or the other ...

Been advised toilet is in car 4 in direction of travel (inbound) at present.

Thanks!

[ozbob]

Queensland Rail - talks the talk , but does not walk the walk !

NGRs are not fully compliant.

" ... All new services coming into operation after October 2002 must be fully compliant. ... "

Page 8 Queensland Rail Accessibility Action Plan
http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Customers/Documents/QueenslandRail_AccessibilityActionPlan2014_FINAL.pdf

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/939967090018074625

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/939963971984953345

[ozbob]

I cannot take any notice now of what Queensland Rail says.  They publish plans and then do what is expedient, rather than what is right.

A failed outfit I am afraid.

Right is might!



And I will as I have always done, do my duty!

[#Metro]

How low do you want to go?

Time to open the path to competitive tendering for operations for SEQ trains. TMR also needs to be split as well IMO.

An accessory means you aren't the primary cause, but you facilitate the act in my opinion.

A company doing this would surely be fined - something that it cannot afford to do.

QR on the other hand can be fined whatever, gov't just pass the cost on to the taxpayer. It's not an immunity, but almost as good as one.

Renew the QR contract again?

[BrizCommuter]

Who's decision was it to enter the NGR into service though? QR, TMR, government, lawyers?

[InclusionMoves]

Reality is without leaks we will never know.

Announcement to disability sector was done by QR CEO with TMR DG sitting quietly next to him. Yet so far this morning it seems to be CEO and GM of NGR from TMR doing publicity shots at Roma St,

Geoff

Who's decision was it to enter the NGR into service though? QR, TMR, government, lawyers?

[SurfRail]

Aside from the compliance issue, it was a decent trip (I ended up at the leading end instead of the trailing end).

Suspension seemed a bit tight on the higher speed sections but they rode quite well.  I was reminded of the 100s more than the 160s in terms of how solidly they sit on the track.

Plenty of QR and TL staff wandering around onboard and handing out knick-knacks (go card wallets, paper models etc) and with Instagram frames at Varsity Lakes.

No sign of Mr Scales (that I could see at least).

[techblitz]

this monumental government cockup shows that blockchain is now needed for better transparency.
A publicly published ledger of all transactions,decisions,submitted tenders etc etc......everything outlayed in one tree based node for each government project.
From the first person who thought of the idea.....all the way down the tree to the last person who signed the release of the end product/service.
Instantly holds each party accountable,reduces instances of 'fake news' and speculation......too many benefits to list....

https://www.governmentnews.com.au/2017/08/blockchain-e-government-open-government/

[InclusionMoves]

Couldn't agree more Techblitz taking the politics out of the decision making process and its reporting is key to truth,

Geoff

this monumental government cockup shows that blockchain is now needed for better transparency.
A publicly published ledger of all transactions,decisions,submitted tenders etc etc......everything outlayed in one tree based node for each government project.
From the first person who thought of the idea.....all the way down the tree to the last person who signed the release of the end product/service.
Instantly holds each party accountable,reduces instances of 'fake news' and speculation......too many benefits to list....

https://www.governmentnews.com.au/2017/08/blockchain-e-government-open-government/

[corners]

Got a photo as it rolled into the Valley station this morning. I noticed it was also running late 

[Cazza]

I had a quick ride from Altandi to Central this morning in the leading car. A few observations I had:

- It does look very sleek
- The ride is pretty smooth and very quiet
- It will take some time for me to get used to the high back seats
- The door sounds are very, very annoying. The current "beep" is fine, they didn't need to increase the frequency to an ear deafening pitch. Also, why doesn't the beeping stop after the button has been pressed and the door has been opened?
- The brakes are a bit squeaky
- I love the side destination boards

Finally, no matter how much Indigenous wrapping you put over the train, it still can't cover up the fact that it isn't legally allowed to be in service. Only in QLD I guess

[Gazza]

Quick question, why is it considered discriminatory to have it that you can't get past the toilet module, but it's not discrimination that a wheelchair can't get up to the top deck of the 777?

[techblitz]

^ quick reponse

before posting your question perhaps show actual links to double decker buses with actual lifts or ramps inside??
Then we can proceed to respond to your question in a serious way....else the question is not even worth responding to.

[ozbob]

Quick question, why is it considered discriminatory to have it that you can't get past the toilet module, but it's not discrimination that a wheelchair can't get up to the top deck of the 777?

IM may comment later but as I understand the bus allows for independent travel or with the assistance of a companion on lower deck.  There are some situations which are simply not accessible and would be covered under unjustifiable hardship eg. top deck of a decker.

[#Metro]

Finally, no matter how much Indigenous wrapping you put over the train, it still can't cover up the fact that it isn't legally allowed to be in service. Only in QLD I guess

I wonder whose idea it was to wrap the train? None of the other trains have all over wrap.

PR diversion??

I think part of the PR strategy is to put the train on the network so the public start using and liking them and then turn public support against anyone who disagrees that they be on the network without proper DDA access.

[Joshwa779]

Is anyone aware if the new units will operate any other services today? e.g. a City to Gold coast services?
Might have missed them this morning.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/lachlan_kennedy/status/939982246101921792

[ozbob]

Is anyone aware if the new units will operate any other services today? e.g. a City to Gold coast services?
Might have missed them this morning.

Not sure at present.  Someone might know.

[BrizCommuter]

No sign of Mr Scales (that I could see at least).

Any sign of Mr Emerson on his way to Centrelink?

[ozbob]

Scotty tweeted a pic of himself on a beach yesterday ... #justsaying

[ozbob]

Finally, no matter how much Indigenous wrapping you put over the train, it still can't cover up the fact that it isn't legally allowed to be in service. Only in QLD I guess

I wonder whose idea it was to wrap the train? None of the other trains have all over wrap.

PR diversion??

I think part of the PR strategy is to put the train on the network so the public start using and liking them and then turn public support against anyone who disagrees that they be on the network without proper DDA access.

Stunt.  But at least they left the windows free.  Trying to cover up poor frequency and the non-compliance.  Oh look, a pretty train? 

[ozbob]

ABC News (television) interviewed me at Goodna re non compliance of NGRs earlier this morning.

[InclusionMoves]

If anyone can let me know if they find when NGR will be at Park Road station throughout day it would be appreciated,

thanks
Geoff

ABC News (television) interviewed me at Goodna re non compliance of NGRs earlier this morning.