New Generation Rollingstock

[ozbob]

Dot point summary as to why a Commission of Inquiry is warranted:

Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project

    Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

    Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

    Who signed off on the design?

    Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

    When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

    Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

    Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

    An inquiry will ensure that lessons are learned in terms of procurement so that taxpayers money is not wasted in purchasing of services and products by government that does not comply with legislation.

    Must ensure external reference groups which TMR and QR conduct are given the respect they deserve in that messages from them are duly considered.

    We want the true facts and circumstances brought into the clear light of day so the monumental botch that this project represents is not repeated.

[ozbob]

Or if you want to think about it in respect to the 18 NGRs ready before the games, we're 50% there.

703	704	705	706		708
709	710			713	714

NGRs 703 and 709 will officially enter revenue service from Monday 26th Feb 2018.

Apparently the Games rail timetables are predicated on 8 NGRs being available, the 9th unit to act as a reserve.

[ozbob]

Have just completed a prerecorded interview with Steve Austin ABC Radio Brisbane re Commission of Inquiry into the NGR project. Should be on later this afternoon Drive show. Around the summary above. Thanks for the interest Steve and ABC.

[ozbob]

Here is the interview: Robert Dow / Steve Austin ABC Radio Brisbane

>> Interview mp3

[ozbob]

[ozbob]

NGR 714 departure from Beenleigh accelerating to ~130 km/h

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967444482823151616

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th February 2018

Call for a Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project

Good Morning,

On Friday 23rd Steve Austin ABC Radio Brisbane - Drive show host conducted an interview with Robert Dow RAIL Back On Track concerning our call for a Commission of Inquiry into the New Generation Rollingstock project. 

The interview can be listened to here > https://backontrack.org/docs/ngr/abc23feb18.mp3

The framework for this interview was the dot point summary below:

Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project - summary
   

   
• Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

   
• Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

   
• Who signed off on the design?

   
• Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

   
• When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

   
• Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

   
• Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

   
• An inquiry will ensure that lessons are learned in terms of procurement so that taxpayers money is not wasted in purchasing of services and products by government that does not comply with legislation.

   
• Must ensure external reference groups which TMR and QR conduct are given the respect they deserve in that messages from them are duly considered.

   
• We want the true facts and circumstances brought into the clear light of day so the monumental botch that this project represents is not repeated.

A major project failure such as the New Generation Rollingstock non compliance for the DDA and DSAPT simply cannot be swept under the carpet.  It is essential a thorough and independent inquiry to into all circumstances is achieved so that failure on this scale never occurs again.

For your consideration.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967539063795302400

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967602971612659712

[techblitz]

this was released the other day....measures public sector corruption 'perception'

https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017

Australia at equal 6th in decline out of 180 countries......

the 8+ drop club since 2012 when the index first started...

saint lucia 16
bahrain 15
syria 12
liberia 10
hungary 10
cyprus 9
turkey 9
spain 8
australia 8
Guinea-Bissau 8
madagascar 8
The FYR of Macedonia 8
barbados 8


pretty elite company eh??

[#Metro]

One of the first things blue team did when elected was remove the Auditor-General from the QR board.

I would like the Auditor-General to take an ex-officio ("From the office") position with the new PTQ authority.

It is important that contracts are enforced, and that operators are not given "carte blanche" to do whatever they please and still expect contract renewal - public operator or private.

In addition to this, high-value long-term projects and purchases would benefit from Auditor-General scrutiny. There is also a need for a QLD Senate to take on scrutiny functions, but that would require a change to the QLD constitution.

[ozbob]

Could be a BIG week ... 

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg203859;topicseen#msg203859

It is interesting to speculate on some of the possible outcomes of the exemption application.

1.  Exemption is granted by AHRC as per the State of Queensland's application

Possible actions:

Some groups will no doubt seek a review in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), and possibly higher courts depending on outcomes.

2.  Exemption is granted by AHRC but for a shorter period.

State of Queensland might seek a review in the AAT, with possible higher court proceedings.

Some groups might seek a review in the AAT, with possible higher court proceedings.

3.  Exemption application is declined.

State of Queensland might seek a review in the AAT, with possible higher court proceedings (could end up in High Court of Australia).

if the State of Queensland defies the AHRC and continues to run the trains, possible injunction action to stop them.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967794034314891265

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/967801869291503617

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 26 February 2018 page 15

Bumbling bureaucracies

[not_available]

NGRs 703 and 709 will officially enter revenue service from Monday 26th

Can confirm 703 is actually  in service.

[Otto]

NGRs 703 and 709 will officially enter revenue service from Monday 26th

Can confirm 703 is actually  in service.

Saw 709 on a Airport service at Southbank about 3:20pm

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

27th February 2018

Re: Call for a Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project

Good Morning,

Nary a response to our call for a Commission of Inquiry into the New Generation Rollingstock Project.

Are you surprised?  If it is the former Newman Government's fault you would think the present Government would jump at the opportunity to properly examine the causes of failure with the NGR project.

What is stopping them?  Perhaps their own inaction with respect to NGR project management hey?

With the Australian Human Rights Commission decision re the application by the State of Queensland for a temporary exemption nearing, it is important that the true facts are brought out into the public realm.  After all it is the citizens of Queensland suffering and paying for this monumental botch. We want to know how a succession of Governments and a bumbling transport bureaucracy can get it so wrong.  Importantly to also guard against a future repeat on such a calamitous scale.

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

Sent to all outlets:

25th February 2018

Call for a Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project

Good Morning,

On Friday 23rd Steve Austin ABC Radio Brisbane - Drive show host conducted an interview with Robert Dow RAIL Back On Track concerning our call for a Commission of Inquiry into the New Generation Rollingstock project. 

The interview can be listened to here > https://backontrack.org/docs/ngr/abc23feb18.mp3

The framework for this interview was the dot point summary below:

Commission of Inquiry into New Generation Rollingstock Project - summary
   

   
• Why were non DDA non DSAPT compliant trains ordered? It has been a requirement since 2002 for new passenger rollingstock to be compliant.

   
• Why was the order reduced from 100 to 75 six car trains?

   
• Who signed off on the design?

   
• Was Queensland Rail consulted on design of the new trains?

   
• When did the ' State of Queensland ' first know they had acquired non compliant trains?

   
• Why did it take till September 2017 for an application for a temporary exemption be made to AHRC when Disability Advocates and others had been warning of accessibility issues since 2015?

   
• Who decided that new non compliant trains could be used on the network without the protection of an exemption? Did the Queensland Rail Board approve of this action?

   
• An inquiry will ensure that lessons are learned in terms of procurement so that taxpayers money is not wasted in purchasing of services and products by government that does not comply with legislation.

   
• Must ensure external reference groups which TMR and QR conduct are given the respect they deserve in that messages from them are duly considered.

   
• We want the true facts and circumstances brought into the clear light of day so the monumental botch that this project represents is not repeated.

A major project failure such as the New Generation Rollingstock non compliance for the DDA and DSAPT simply cannot be swept under the carpet.  It is essential a thorough and independent inquiry to into all circumstances is achieved so that failure on this scale never occurs again.

For your consideration.

Best wishes,

Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968158311416647680

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968164166455328769

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/DannMallet/status/968335159283060737

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/DannMallet/status/968335159283060737

I didn't think they had to at Roma Street as Full time Station Staff are in the middle of the platforms @ Roma St, Central, Fortitude Valley, and Bowen Hills. Usually guard awaits Station staff all clear at these stations. It's been like that for a while.

[Stillwater]

New issue sunglasses for guards, as part of new uniform, maybe see around corners?  Anything to add a patch to fix the problem, short of anything to do with the train design.    

[aldonius]

NGR 714 cancelled at Altandi this arvo. I was, coincidentally, on board. We were told on the train that there was a door issue, TL only got 'mechanical' into the Twitter feed, but apparently there's more to the story...

https://twitter.com/enigmaticatious/status/968353511296634882

[ozbob]

It is a known fact that the NGRs are having door issues.  I am not sure about someone ' kicking the door off its hinges ' but there are ongoing issues ...

Looking good for the Games !   

[Stillwater]

 

[verbatim9]

NGR 714 cancelled at Altandi this arvo. I was, coincidentally, on board. We were told on the train that there was a door issue, TL only got 'mechanical' into the Twitter feed, but apparently there's more to the story...

https://twitter.com/enigmaticatious/status/968353511296634882

It is a known fact that the NGRs are having door issues.  I am not sure about someone ' kicking the door off its hinges ' but there are ongoing issues ...

Looking good for the Games !   

Wierd! Is it sabotage?

[ozbob]

^  certainly seems that something untoward may have occurred.  One of the TV News journalists is on the case. 
If there is something to it I am sure an item will appear probably tomorrow.

Apparently there is a photograph somewhere of the door off the track.  The question is how did that occur?  Fault or force?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/968399522027089920

[ozbob]

Fault!

[Stillwater]

The door kicking was done by QR people trying to get the doors back on their guide tracks.  delay tonight was 30 minutes while passengers were ordered off and another train brought in to collect them.  Imagine 30-min. delays on GCL during the Comm. Games.   

Courier-Mail chasing the story.

[#Metro]

The door kicking was done by QR people trying to get the doors back on their guide tracks.  delay tonight was 30 minutes while passengers were ordered off and another train brought in to collect them.  Imagine 30-min. delays on GCL during the Comm. Games.   

Courier-Mail chasing the story.

Everyone get out and push the train. HEAVE!! 

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail's new rolling stock train doors fail to open at Altandi station in Brisbane

A NEW-generation rolling stock train is the centre of controversy tonight after the doors were jammed in Sunnybank this afternoon.

It's the latest in a long line of hiccups for the new trains as part of the heavily delayed $4.4 billion rollingstock program.

At about 3pm an outbound Gold Coast line service was cancelled at Altandi station after the doors of the train became jammed shut.

Queensland Rail released a statement saying the train was immediately taken out of service to allow the fault to be investigated and resolved by Bombardier.

"We'd like to apologise to our customers who experienced a delay from this issue this afternoon, and thank them for their patience," the statement read.

Last week, specialist cleaners had to be called in to remove mould from six new trains shipped from India after it was discovered in the trains' airconditioning filters and ducting during recent inspections.

It was also discovered some of the trains had no disability access – something Queensland's anti-discrimination commissioner Kevin Cocks labelled "reprehensible" in a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Two NGR trains added to Commonwealth Games plan amid ongoing concerns

The government says it has reached the magic number of new trains needed to deliver the Commonwealth Games' transport plan.

On Monday, two additional New Generation Rollingstock trains hit the tracks on the Gold Coast and Airport lines, taking the total operational fleet to nine trains.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the Commonwealth Games' rail timetable in April required eight NGR trains.

"I am pleased to confirm that this requirement has now been achieved," he said.

"The Commonwealth Games will place unprecedented demand on the Gold Coast transport network, with around 6 million additional trips expected during the Games period.

"Our Games transport plan includes tripling train services to the Gold Coast, including 24/7 heavy rail services at 10-minute intervals and more frequently during high-demand event periods."

However, weekend services across the rest of the network will be halved, cut from half-hourly to every hour, and most of the Beenleigh line will be replaced by buses.

Mr Bailey said there may be even more NGR trains ready for service on the Gold Coast line before the Commonwealth Games, which starts in just 36 days, with more units working to complete testing and safety assessments.

A report released in mid-2017, by German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, had previously said at least 18 of the NGR trains would be needed for the Commonwealth Games timetable, but Queensland authorities have since revised that number down to eight.

Meanwhile, an Australian Human Rights Commission decision is pending on the Queensland government's application for a temporary exemption for disability access issues on the NGR.

While awaiting a decision, the first of the NGR were rolled out in December 2017.

Disability access issues included toilets being too small for wheelchairs.

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, airconditioning, sight lines for drivers and disability access, delivery was halted in March 2017.

There are 75 NGR trains ordered in total as part of a $4.4 billion project over 32 years.

[ozbob]

Cluster-fuk is almost too kind to describe the NGR project sadly ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968508258490003456

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968509596980539397

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

28th February 2018

New Generation Rollingstock Project juvenile failures continue ...

Good Morning,

NGR714 had a spectacular door failure yesterday.  It seems the door issues with the NGRs are still not resolved. These are known as ' juvenile failures '.

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/968399522027089920

There was some confusion as some punters thought that passengers might have kicked the door off the tracks.  No, it was QR staff trying to do some ' running repairs '.

If the State of Queensland's application to the Australian Human Rights Commission is not approved as applied for.  Will the QR Board and key DTMR NGR project staff resign please?  This is an ongoing circus sadly.  It is bad enough for the State to consider itself above the law of the land, let alone allow the bumblers to bumble on.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ Attached: https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg205221#msg205221 ]

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968513975104122880

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/968519119430496256

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[Stillwater]

There's probably someone in QR preparing the sticker that will go beside the door -- Instructions to Passengers for Kicking Door Open In Event of Emergency.

Always a patch job when it comes to NGR.

:conf

[ozbob]

Mr Bailey said there may be even more NGR trains ready for service on the Gold Coast line before the Commonwealth Games, which starts in just 36 days, with more units working to complete testing and safety assessments.

Two more NGRs next week 711 712 sources suggest.

[not_available]

I think I saw 714 this morning off towards BNE at ~7:30 between Toombul & Eagle Junction. It's slightly hard to see the white carriage/train numbers on the sides of the standard livery NGRs unless I'm not moving and the NGR isn't either.