New Generation Rollingstock

[BrizCommuter]

Shorncliffe Line users can enjoy the NGR toilets until they get removed!

[ozbob]

Shorncliffe Line users can enjoy the NGR toilets until they get removed!

The final decision was that all 75 NGRs are going to have two toilets.  Be handy on the Doomben line after the races ... 

[ozbob]

Had a quick look at Redbank.  NGR 715 still in location in the ' agistment paddock '.  Looks like it might be ready to go somewhere though.

I have a feeling it could be moved tomorrow.   

[ozbob]

[Stillwater]

Could it be possible that they don't want any NGR trains to be in the paddock at Redbank on the 16th so that you don't have a backdrop for your media conference, Ozbob?   

[ozbob]

Could it be possible that they don't want any NGR trains to be in the paddock at Redbank on the 16th so that you don't have a backdrop for your media conference, Ozbob?   

Not doing media on the 16th, just a nice luncheon ..   

[ozbob]

Had a quick look at Redbank.  NGR 715 still in location in the ' agistment paddock '.  Looks like it might be ready to go somewhere though.

I have a feeling it could be moved tomorrow.   

Looks like it might be there a while longer yet.  Possibly still there on the 16th!   

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Five years to make NGR trains compliant, says Transport Minister

IT will take five years to make the state's troubled New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train fleet disability compliant, Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

Mr Bailey told State Parliament this morning that rectification works on the 75 trains was due to start later this year in Maryborough.

"Over the next five years, staff at Downer EDI's Maryborough factory will undertake modifications to make the NGR fleet one of the most accessible in the country," Mr Bailey said.

That means long-term job opportunities for the Maryborough region and for Downer's staff of around 300."

Mr Bailey said the new design had been completed in consultation with the disability sector after an inquiry found they failed to comply with disability access tests and could not fit a wheelchair down the aisles.

"I have full confidence in the skill and craftsmanship of Maryborough's workers to deliver these upgrades and ensure Queensland will have one of the most inclusive and modern train fleets in Australia," he said.

"Staff are familiarising themselves with the layout and internal fittings of the train, readying their workshop for the first of the 75 trains that will eventually roll through Maryborough."

He said more than 45 trains from the NGR fleet were currently available for service in southeast Queensland, adding 46,000 seats to the rail network.

"When the rectification works at Downer is in full swing, up to eight NGR trains will be undergoing modifications at one time," he said.

"Work is due to start on the first train modification later this year, with the expectation that all trains are progressively upgraded by early 2024."

The total bill for fixing the trains has previously been estimated at close to $336 million.

[Stillwater]

Is Mr Bailey really trying to say that the cost of the rectification work really is a make-work scheme for the workers of Maryborough?   

[SurfRail]

This whole experience has switched me off any kind of PPP arrangement other than:

- Turnkey and self-contained things purpose built from scratch (eg G:Link)
- Availability payment arrangements relating to a right of way (eg CRR)

PPPs for supplying things like rollingstock tend to produce some very odd outcomes, particular where we have agencies that don't know what they are doing and too much political interference in operational matters.

[InclusionMoves]

Mr Trappett has the following statement to make on the issue ' ' END QUOTE

https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/five-years-to-make-ngr-trains-compliant-says-transport-minister/news-story/d094fb4e5a8361eb5d5e6bbde945f90e

IT will take five years to make the state's troubled New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) train fleet disability compliant, Transport Minister Mark Bailey said.

Mr Bailey told State Parliament this morning that rectification works on the 75 trains was due to start later this year in Maryborough.

"Over the next five years, staff at Downer EDI's Maryborough factory will undertake modifications to make the NGR fleet one of the most accessible in the country," Mr Bailey said.

That means long-term job opportunities for the Maryborough region and for Downer's staff of around 300."

Mr Bailey said the new design had been completed in consultation with the disability sector after an inquiry found they failed to comply with disability access tests and could not fit a wheelchair down the aisles.

"I have full confidence in the skill and craftsmanship of Maryborough's workers to deliver these upgrades and ensure Queensland will have one of the most inclusive and modern train fleets in Australia," he said.

"Staff are familiarising themselves with the layout and internal fittings of the train, readying their workshop for the first of the 75 trains that will eventually roll through Maryborough."

He said more than 45 trains from the NGR fleet were currently available for service in southeast Queensland, adding 46,000 seats to the rail network.

"When the rectification works at Downer is in full swing, up to eight NGR trains will be undergoing modifications at one time," he said.

"Work is due to start on the first train modification later this year, with the expectation that all trains are progressively upgraded by early 2024."

The total bill for fixing the trains has previously been estimated at close to $336 million.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2019/2019_02_13_DAILY.pdf

Ministerial Statements

Maryborough, Rail Manufacturing

Hon. MC BAILEY (Miller—ALP) (Minister for Transport and Main Roads) (9.55 am):

The Palaszczuk government is committed to supporting rail manufacturing jobs in Maryborough, a city with
a long and proud tradition of Queenslanders building trains for Queenslanders. We make no apologies
for ensuring that from this year Maryborough will be the central hub for delivering vital modification
works for our state's NGR train fleet. Over the next five years staff at Downer EDI's Maryborough factory
will undertake modifications to make the NGR fleet one of the most accessible in the country. This
means long-term job opportunities for the Maryborough region and for the around 300 Downer staff.
Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Maryborough to join the member for Maryborough and
Downer EDI staff in welcoming the first NGR train to Maryborough. The member for Maryborough
knows there has been a renewed sense of optimism across the community since we confirmed in
December that this work would come to town. We gave our word to the people of Maryborough that this
work would be done in their town and we will honour that commitment. The Premier made it clear that
this government would lead the way in terms of prioritising jobs for Queenslanders. The Buy
Queensland policy puts local jobs first, and we are doing the same with this contract with Downer for
the NGR fleet.

The rectification of these trains, designed in close consultation with the disability sector, also
demonstrates our government's commitment to listening and delivering for everyone in our community.
I have full confidence in the skill and craftsmanship of Maryborough's workforce. Staff are familiarising
themselves with the layout and internal fittings of the train, readying their workshop for the first of 75
trains that will eventually roll through Maryborough. These works add to the $157 million commitment
that this government has been investing in Maryborough since 2017 to maintain and refurbish
Queensland Rail's trains. As I speak, trains are in Maryborough receiving mechanical overhauls,
servicing and maintenance work to support our iconic Queensland Rail regional services.

There are now 45 NGR trains out of 75 that are available for service in South-East Queensland.
This has allowed Queensland Rail to provide an additional 46,000 seats on key services across the
network with six-car sets replacing three-car sets. NGR trains also began service on the Cleveland and
Shorncliffe lines for the first time earlier this month. When the rectification works at Downer are in full
swing, up to eight NGR trains will be undergoing modifications at one time by Maryborough workers.
Work is due to start on the first train modification later this year—

Opposition members interjected.

Mr SPEAKER: Minister, please resume your seat. Members to my left, I am listening to the
minister's statement. I believe he is being quite factual and straight with his presentation. I ask that you
listen to the ministerial statement. If not, please take your conversations outside.

Mr BAILEY: Work is due to start on the first train modification later this year with the expectation
that all trains will be progressively upgraded and rectified by early 2024.

[Stillwater]

QUOTE: "As I speak, trains are in Maryborough receiving mechanical overhauls, servicing and maintenance work to support our iconic Queensland Rail regional services."

So, just Citytrain services then? 

[ozbob]

Tilt trains ..

[Old Northern Road]

https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings_current.jsp

cities ranked by crime....

safety index:

pretty accurate.....they have Melbourne as the worst major city in oz....Townsville as the worst Australian city....
Melbourne is getting progressively worse on the safety index..

current   55.67
2018 mid 56.17
2018 all   57.64
2017 mid 58.36
2017 all   58.98

Canberra comes in at 18....once again enforces the accuracy of this list....you literally never hear of homicides,gang robberies etc coming out of that area...
Malmo the worst in Sweden....no surprise there....

I'm impressed by the growing number of eastern block countries showing up near the top......
Estonia,croatia,romania,slovenia,armenia,belarus......they have seen their fair share of misery in the past but these are now some of the most unified,undivided places to live......majoirty of folk get along and the majority are happy.....less reason to commit crime.......they still have poverty like most but money/wealth is irrelevant....preserving culture/identity takes precedence....literally no 'progressive vs conservative' division' aka Australia.

Yeah first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Eastern Europe is people getting along peacefully with one another 

Not sure why the murder rate is so high in Eastern Europe compared to Western Europe though (3-4 times as high in the case of Belarus and Estonia).
But yeah there is no progressive vs conservative division in Belarus. I mean the country is a dictatorship 

[techblitz]

^
ive posted a response @

https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=4126.msg219467#msg219467

[Andrew]

Shorncliffe Line users can enjoy the NGR toilets until they get removed!

The final decision was that all 75 NGRs are going to have two toilets.  Be handy on the Doomben line after the races ... 

Oooo that's interesting. Where did you hear that? Even the NGR inquiry stated they were gonna pull toilets out altogether on some sets. Are they going to have toilets in  the centre cars (3 &4)?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[red dragin]

It's been in several press releases.

[SurfRail]

Shorncliffe Line users can enjoy the NGR toilets until they get removed!

The final decision was that all 75 NGRs are going to have two toilets.  Be handy on the Doomben line after the races ... 

Oooo that's interesting. Where did you hear that? Even the NGR inquiry stated they were gonna pull toilets out altogether on some sets. Are they going to have toilets in  the centre cars (3 &4)?

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

The original proposal was to have 40 without and 35 with 2 each.  As has now been determined, it wasn't even the toilets alone which are non-compliant, so at least they are doing it properly.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2018/12/10/making-our-new-trains-accessible-for-everyone

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Monday, December 10, 2018

Making Our New Trains Accessible for Everyone

Queensland will have one of the most inclusive modern train fleets in Australia with accessible toilets on every NGR train and double the priority seating for people with disabilities.

The enhanced rectification plan announced today includes a second toilet on all 75 NGR six car sets, increasing the size of toilet modules by 10% and new functional improvements for people with disabilities.

The $335.7 million fix follows the Forde Inquiry into how Queensland's New Generation Rollingstock was designed and ordered.

"I am pleased the Inquiry has provided a thorough examination of this process and we are getting on with the job of fixing what went wrong," the Premier said.

The Inquiry was critical of the previous lack of consultation with and adherence to the rights of people with disabilities.

The Premier said making the trains right was agreed to after long and careful consultation with the disability sector.

A special project working group was established with members from the TMR and Qld Rail accessibility reference groups.

They worked in partnership with engineers from TMR, Bombardier and Downer to ensure the rectification designs were not only compliant with legislation, but as functional as possible.

"This will also create jobs for Queenslanders with the work carried out in Maryborough," the Premier said.

Following extensive consultation with disability advocates on design options, including a trial run by Griffith University, the government will be extending the footprint of the existing toilet module and making sure there are two larger toilet modules on all 75 new trains.

The NGR modifications will include:

installing larger toilet modules (10 per cent larger than the previous design) in the middle carriages across the entire fleet to allow passengers who use mobility devices to access the toilet from both accessible carriages

doubling the number of priority seating from 24 to 48 seats per six car train

revised seating layouts that make access easier for passengers using a mobility device, and further functionality improvements to internal fittings and carriage features

The cost is within the existing NGR budget.

All rectification work will be done at Downer EDI in Maryborough and is estimated to support 100 jobs.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said the government's insistence Downer be part of the solution is welcome.

"Maryborough has a long and proud tradition of building Queensland's trains," he said.

"As long as I'm here I am going to make sure it continues."

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said work was due to start on the first train modification next year before all the trains were progressively upgraded by early 2024.

"I asked my Department to have extensive engagement with the disability sector to finalise the modification design.

"I appreciated the opportunity to meet with members of the working group to discuss these issues and hear their input directly," he said.

"The first train to be upgraded to meet all operational and functional requirements is expected to go back into customer service in 2020.

"Subsequent trains will be upgraded quickly with up to eight trains undergoing modifications at a time.

"The revised cost is based on all the design, build and compliance work in doubling the toilets and priority seating and other changes to all 75 trains.

"I would like to thank the NGR Accessibility Project Working Group and our Accessibility Reference Groups (ARG) for their ongoing advocacy and tireless work in making sure we get these upgrades correct.

"The Project Working Group members have generously given their time and expertise to ensure we have developed a new train design that is compliant with improved functionality and will also provide an inclusive and equitable service to passengers with a disability."

Project Working Group member John Mayo, from Spinal Life Australia, said the disability advocates had worked tirelessly in making sure they get these functional outcomes correct.

"Our objective is to advocate for the best access possible for every customer. When a solution meets the needs of customers with disabilities, the solution maximizes the benefits for all other customers," Mr Mayo said.

"We will continue to work closely with the NGR team throughout the design and construction phases to provide an accessible, inclusive customer experience."

There are currently 37 of the 75 new six-carriage trains running across the network on the Gold Coast, Airport, Doomben, Northgate, Redcliffe Peninsula, Springfield, Ipswich and Caboolture lines.

The new trains have allowed QR to add 46,000 seats a week on 193 Queensland Rail services.

For more details on the NGR accessibility upgrades go to https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ngr

ENDS

[ozbob]

The fundamental reason why all 75 NGRs will have two toilets is to overcome the fact that the passageway between MA and MB (cars 3 & 4) is not compliant.  So by providing a second toilet it doesn't matter which carriage a passenger is in for toilet access.

[ozbob]

First NGR being transferred from the ship at the Port 15th Feb 2016, subsequently moved to Wulkuraka on the 19th Feb 2016.

[ozbob]

NGR 715 still at Redbank.  Had a bo-peep today.  All alone, apart from security ..

[ozbob]

It's on the move.
I noted 2 DEL LE heading towards Redbank earlier today.
Report via STB 715 spotted under tow heading south at Yeronga. Assume for positioning for further tow north possibly tonight.

Thanks for the report STB.

[ozbob]

Informed sources have indicated that NGR 726 was damaged slightly after making contact with a platform at Strathpine.

Bit odd, apparently it has also happened before again at Strathpine with NGR 730.

Anyone know more about this? 

[not_available]

Informed sources have indicated that NGR 726 was damaged slightly after making contact with a platform at Strathpine.

Bit odd, apparently it has also happened before again at Strathpine with NGR 730.

Anyone know more about this? 

Which platform? 3?

[Andrew]

Strathpine is being rebuilt at the moment. Temporary platforms are present on plat 2 & 3. They have used temporary structures to extend it northwards as they are rebuilding the southern half. It is possible they may have hit something on the temp platform or around the construction site.

[ozbob]

^ thanks.  The most recent one involved the permanent platform allegedly.  The first one was with a temporary platform.

Temp platform is one thing, hitting a permanent platform is some cause for concern.   Hopefully some more details will come forward.

[ozbob]

It's on the move.
I noted 2 DEL LE heading towards Redbank earlier today.
Report via STB 715 spotted under tow heading south at Yeronga. Assume for positioning for further tow north possibly tonight.

Thanks for the report STB.

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1098723542403756032

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/ozbob13/status/1098760013848301568

[Andrew]

Kippa-Ring station this morning Sat 23/2. QR seem to be getting their monies worth from the station staff on weekends. Most trains on the Redcliffe - Springfield lines are NGR's and this seems to be a regular thing.

[Arnz]

Kippa-Ring station this morning Sat 23/2. QR seem to be getting their monies worth from the station staff on weekends. Most trains on the Redcliffe - Springfield lines are NGR's and this seems to be a regular thing...

This is also due to very few of the Kippa Ring-Springfield weekend trains having a Nambour run in their shifts, as currently NGRs aren't operating in passenger service north of Caboolture atm (although there has been test trains every now and again). 

This is opposed to weekdays where there is a number of weekday inter-peak trains that turn back as a Nambour service later in the afternoon peak (or the few that come from Nambour in the morning peak to Springfield and turn back as a Kippa Ring service).

[not_available]

703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710
711 712 713 714 716 717 718 719 720
721 722 723 724 725 726 727 728 729 730
733 734 735 736 737 738 739 740
741 742 743 744 747 748

Any more?
edit: as soon as i hit post I think i saw 746 Springfield bound. Maybe

[ozbob]

I think I saw 745 the other day in revenue service.

[ozbob]

Days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

[SurfRail]

Any more?

749.

[SurfRail]

Am I the only one noticing that the NGRs overshoot platforms and need to then set back with distressing frequency?  Case in point 749 this morning.  Nerang seems to be a favourite, not sure if that is location related, but it isn't the only place I've seen it in the last year and a bit.

I can't recall the 160s or 260s behaving like this, certain notable exceptions aside (ie Cleveland).

[Andrew]

They seem to be ok on the Kippa-Ring line. But I suspect thr NGR's are a couple of metres longer than the standard 6 car set. Perhaps it is the higher speed of the Gold Coast line?

[HappyTrainGuy]

SMU260/IMU160 were plagued with small issues when they were introduced. Firmware updates to the computer systems resolved the biting and acceleration issues.

[not_available]

Am I the only one noticing that the NGRs overshoot platforms and need to then set back with distressing frequency?  Case in point 749 this morning.  Nerang seems to be a favourite, not sure if that is location related, but it isn't the only place I've seen it in the last year and a bit.

I can't recall the 160s or 260s behaving like this, certain notable exceptions aside (ie Cleveland).

I have seen them do it by a little from time to time.