New Generation Rollingstock

[Otto]

Just saw an interesting video of 701 coupled with SMU's 22? and 237 passing through Ebbw Vale station on Thursday night.   
I guess they are testing compatability of the different rollingstock travelling as a single train.?
Would link the video, but can't as it's a closed FaceBook Group. 

[HappyTrainGuy]

Just saw an interesting video of 701 coupled with SMU's 22? and 237 passing through Ebbw Vale station on Thursday night.   
I guess they are testing compatability of the different rollingstock travelling as a single train.?
Would link the video, but can't as it's a closed FaceBook Group. 

Would have been recovery testing.

[Otto]

Would have been recovery testing.

Thanks.
It did sound like all units were travelling under their own power. 701 was the lead unit. Would that be right ?

In other movements, DEL 2371 & 2501D with 712 & 710 passed through Hemmant at 10:16am this morning.

[ozbob]

the transfer. @mistertraveller @kezzstar24 @cameronjonesweb @KawaiiHannahArt @QRtrains @theaussieauthor @klaxon_troxler @Robert_Dow pic.twitter.com/SuzifiXzUt

— darth caligula (@darthcaligula66) February 17, 2017

I think this 710 & 712 on the move to Wulkuraka

[ozbob]

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

To: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon Jackie Trad

All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

SIGN THE PETITION
GTContact Campaign Creator
Campaign created by
Geoff Trappett

All aboard. If you can!  Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

Four billion dollars' worth of new Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will not be fully accessible to passengers with disability. Citizens with disability in Queensland call on the now Labor state government and its recently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Jackie Trad to follow through with the Premier's mandate to fix train transport. She can make a start on this by suspending work on NGR and commencing real negotiations with disability groups not stalling tactics. Thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used for fully functional accessible solutions not stop gap lowest price liabilities. Liabilities that will degrade SE Queensland as a destination of choice for tourism and reduce its standing as an inclusive region.

Why is this important?

People with disability (PWD) in Queensland need your support to ensure their citizen rights are upheld. Based on the specifications publicly available there will be many groups of PWD (vision impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability and autism) that will be disadvantaged in both boarding and exiting the trains. Taxpayer funded public transport that by its very nature is meant to be a driver for inclusion of citizens into community will instead exclude.

In 2013 the Newman government Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded a tender for NGR. The 75 newly designed trains are due to begin service on the South East Queensland passenger rail network later this year, and the remaining fleet rolled out by late 2018. The current design has a number of access issues.

1. The corridor linking a carriage purpose-designed with accessible seating and a toilet is too narrow for most manual and motorized wheelchairs causing some PWD to have to leave the train and re-enter through a different door in order to use the bathroom. A time consuming exercise, potentially dangerous whilst raining, all whilst the train stays to a timetable.

2. The toilet space does not meet the relevant size standards set out in legislation. Meaning it is simply inaccessible to some PWD who use a wheelchair for mobility and a danger to use for others.

3. The location of the guard (who assists a PWD with boarding and exiting the train) will be at the rear instead of in the middle of the train. This is a change from years of the guard being located in the middle of the train so as to intentionally align the guard with the purpose built accessible boarding area on existing station platforms. The new rear location presents potential safety concerns for a PWD being left behind on a platform due to not being seen from a guard location at the end-of-the-train – concerns that are real and potentially life threatening on an unmanned station late at night.

These trains are meant for 30-plus years of service, meaning potential generations of PWD missing out on community inclusion. The roll-out will coincide with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. The NDIS has been designed to be the foundation of a new era of participation for PWD, and accessible public transport is key to participation in jobs, education, training, social life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on "Towards an all abilities Queensland" which will become the new state government plan for disability in Queensland. Its proposed vision is that "Queenslanders of all abilities can live the life they choose." Given the $4b train design it begs the question, can PWD choose to use a train in Queensland?

If you feel PWD should be able to choose to use a train in Queensland please support this petition. If you would like to make an individual contribution make sure to also email the Deputy Premier (deputy.premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au) and cc myself (geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au) to explain to her exactly how this issue would deny your citizen rights.

[ozbob]

^ more concern with the NGR trains.  We have long questioned how the guards will work.

More evidence for the need for proper structural reform.

Mediocrity is endemic in our blundering transport bureaucracies sadly ..

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

To add to the rail fail concerns is the delayed New Generation Rollingstock trains.  We have raised our concerns a number of times now, to be largely ignored, which is the standard modus operandi of the failing transport  bureaucracy  in Queensland.  Now we have the disability sector adding to the clamour of despair:

===========================================

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

To: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon Jackie Trad

All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

SIGN THE PETITION
GTContact Campaign Creator
Campaign created by
Geoff Trappett

All aboard. If you can!  Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

Four billion dollars' worth of new Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will not be fully accessible to passengers with disability. Citizens with disability in Queensland call on the now Labor state government and its recently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Jackie Trad to follow through with the Premier's mandate to fix train transport. She can make a start on this by suspending work on NGR and commencing real negotiations with disability groups not stalling tactics. Thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used for fully functional accessible solutions not stop gap lowest price liabilities. Liabilities that will degrade SE Queensland as a destination of choice for tourism and reduce its standing as an inclusive region.

Why is this important?

People with disability (PWD) in Queensland need your support to ensure their citizen rights are upheld. Based on the specifications publicly available there will be many groups of PWD (vision impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability and autism) that will be disadvantaged in both boarding and exiting the trains. Taxpayer funded public transport that by its very nature is meant to be a driver for inclusion of citizens into community will instead exclude.

In 2013 the Newman government Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded a tender for NGR. The 75 newly designed trains are due to begin service on the South East Queensland passenger rail network later this year, and the remaining fleet rolled out by late 2018. The current design has a number of access issues.

1. The corridor linking a carriage purpose-designed with accessible seating and a toilet is too narrow for most manual and motorized wheelchairs causing some PWD to have to leave the train and re-enter through a different door in order to use the bathroom. A time consuming exercise, potentially dangerous whilst raining, all whilst the train stays to a timetable.

2. The toilet space does not meet the relevant size standards set out in legislation. Meaning it is simply inaccessible to some PWD who use a wheelchair for mobility and a danger to use for others.

3. The location of the guard (who assists a PWD with boarding and exiting the train) will be at the rear instead of in the middle of the train. This is a change from years of the guard being located in the middle of the train so as to intentionally align the guard with the purpose built accessible boarding area on existing station platforms. The new rear location presents potential safety concerns for a PWD being left behind on a platform due to not being seen from a guard location at the end-of-the-train – concerns that are real and potentially life threatening on an unmanned station late at night.

These trains are meant for 30-plus years of service, meaning potential generations of PWD missing out on community inclusion. The roll-out will coincide with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. The NDIS has been designed to be the foundation of a new era of participation for PWD, and accessible public transport is key to participation in jobs, education, training, social life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on "Towards an all abilities Queensland" which will become the new state government plan for disability in Queensland. Its proposed vision is that "Queenslanders of all abilities can live the life they choose." Given the $4b train design it begs the question, can PWD choose to use a train in Queensland?

If you feel PWD should be able to choose to use a train in Queensland please support this petition. If you would like to make an individual contribution make sure to also email the Deputy Premier (deputy.premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au) and cc myself (geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au) to explain to her exactly how this issue would deny your citizen rights.

===========================================

Hey ho, off to mediocrity we go!

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest #railfail : ' New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues '
> https://t.co/son4cO4vRO#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP @TMRQld pic.twitter.com/SnL7uoXGbT

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 18, 2017

[#Metro]

Major embarrassment if CRR opens and all the stations are not accessible because the trains are not DDA compliant.

I guess this is Queensland - the land where half the platform or only the middle bit gets raised rather than just do the job properly.

There is something wrong with this State - Queensland excels at cut corners (or even half the project) cut off.

[ozbob]

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...

[ozbob]

One year to the day, 19th Feb 2016.
NGR 701 is towed to Wulkuraka. Clip at Goodna rail station
> https://t.co/9tfM4YUn6l#qldpol#NGR

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 18, 2017

^

NGR train project is beset with issues ...
a typical Queensland style botch!#thestateofmegaCLUSTERFUK#qldpol https://t.co/4fI0OTrBzh

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 18, 2017

[#Metro]

Half baked projects, have long term consequences ...

The more I think about it, the more I think the epicentre of failure is inside the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Queensland Rail is getting a shake down because a major crisis happened, that in turn due to a build-up of layered problems and poor practices that finally collapsed the ' house of cards '.

Something is not right at DTMR I suspect, and it would be worth having Jackie Trad investigate / go fishing for problems. Better to find problems than have problems find you.

The thing is TMR seems to be a common ingredient in a lot of problems:

1. NGR trains - managed by TMR, messed it up
2. Redcliffe Line signalling - managed by TMR, messed it up
3. TransLink communications - diabolical (non-)communications - a bunch of desks and managed by ... TMR
4. Cross River Rail tunnel portal ... managed by TMR

What else is there maybe that we don't know about? 

[ozbob]

" ... The more I think about it, the more I think the epicentre of failure is inside the Department of Transport and Main Roads. ...

Bingo Mr Metro! 

The major failure is DTMR IMHO

Until we get a heavy rail division under a separate structure eg. PTQ  this circus of failure is doomed to be repeated endlessly ...

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21st February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

There are serious issues to be raised here with New Generation Rollingstock trains.

If the disability sector is forced to go to petition to highlight the problems something seriously amiss don't you think?
(See attached).

The first of the trains has been here one year now and we still do not see any of the new trains in revenue service.

The rail service is plagued by constant mechanical breakdowns, the new trains are needed urgently out on the network.

It is becoming very clear that the decision by the former Newman Government to exclude Queensland Rail from the Redcliffe Peninsula Line project, and the New Generation Rollingstock project and transfer absolute management to an incompetent DTMR/TransLink has contributed to failure.  It is time the real situation was called out.

This is a powerful demonstration of why a complete reorganisation of how public transport is administered, managed, delivered and operated in Queensland is needed.  [ RAIL Back on Track 8 Point Recovery Plan - Updated > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg188075#msg188075 ]

We have an utter shambles on our hands here in SEQ. 

Band-aids, spin and political posturing will not sort it.  SEQ is headlong into transport failure.

Have a great day now!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

19th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

To add to the rail fail concerns is the delayed New Generation Rollingstock trains.  We have raised our concerns a number of times now, to be largely ignored, which is the standard modus operandi of the failing transport  bureaucracy  in Queensland.  Now we have the disability sector adding to the clamour of despair:

===========================================

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

To: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon Jackie Trad

All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

SIGN THE PETITION
GTContact Campaign Creator
Campaign created by
Geoff Trappett

All aboard. If you can!  Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

Four billion dollars' worth of new Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will not be fully accessible to passengers with disability. Citizens with disability in Queensland call on the now Labor state government and its recently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Jackie Trad to follow through with the Premier's mandate to fix train transport. She can make a start on this by suspending work on NGR and commencing real negotiations with disability groups not stalling tactics. Thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used for fully functional accessible solutions not stop gap lowest price liabilities. Liabilities that will degrade SE Queensland as a destination of choice for tourism and reduce its standing as an inclusive region.

Why is this important?

People with disability (PWD) in Queensland need your support to ensure their citizen rights are upheld. Based on the specifications publicly available there will be many groups of PWD (vision impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability and autism) that will be disadvantaged in both boarding and exiting the trains. Taxpayer funded public transport that by its very nature is meant to be a driver for inclusion of citizens into community will instead exclude.

In 2013 the Newman government Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded a tender for NGR. The 75 newly designed trains are due to begin service on the South East Queensland passenger rail network later this year, and the remaining fleet rolled out by late 2018. The current design has a number of access issues.

1. The corridor linking a carriage purpose-designed with accessible seating and a toilet is too narrow for most manual and motorized wheelchairs causing some PWD to have to leave the train and re-enter through a different door in order to use the bathroom. A time consuming exercise, potentially dangerous whilst raining, all whilst the train stays to a timetable.

2. The toilet space does not meet the relevant size standards set out in legislation. Meaning it is simply inaccessible to some PWD who use a wheelchair for mobility and a danger to use for others.

3. The location of the guard (who assists a PWD with boarding and exiting the train) will be at the rear instead of in the middle of the train. This is a change from years of the guard being located in the middle of the train so as to intentionally align the guard with the purpose built accessible boarding area on existing station platforms. The new rear location presents potential safety concerns for a PWD being left behind on a platform due to not being seen from a guard location at the end-of-the-train – concerns that are real and potentially life threatening on an unmanned station late at night.

These trains are meant for 30-plus years of service, meaning potential generations of PWD missing out on community inclusion. The roll-out will coincide with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. The NDIS has been designed to be the foundation of a new era of participation for PWD, and accessible public transport is key to participation in jobs, education, training, social life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on "Towards an all abilities Queensland" which will become the new state government plan for disability in Queensland. Its proposed vision is that "Queenslanders of all abilities can live the life they choose." Given the $4b train design it begs the question, can PWD choose to use a train in Queensland?

If you feel PWD should be able to choose to use a train in Queensland please support this petition. If you would like to make an individual contribution make sure to also email the Deputy Premier (deputy.premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au) and cc myself (geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au) to explain to her exactly how this issue would deny your citizen rights.

===========================================

Hey ho, off to mediocrity we go!

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Media: New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues
> https://t.co/hUsCi5PEE4#qldpol@AnnastaciaMP @jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/hq0nIxsqYa

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 20, 2017

[Nickfein]

Heard a train roll into Doomben at around 10pm last night which is usual as the last service leaves Doomben at 8pm. Had a peek outside and it was a shiny new NGR train.

[ozbob]

Heard a train roll into Doomben at around 10pm last night which is usual as the last service leaves Doomben at 8pm. Had a peek outside and it was a shiny new NGR train.

  Welcome Nickfein!

[verbatim9]

Regarding the disability access. I did read the article from their advocacy page regarding the trains. It's mainly accessing the toilet facilities within the train and some concerns regarding boarding and disembarking. They claim there is not enough space to turn and enter the bathroom from the interior of the train and require entry from the exterior door of the train while at the station. How have conclusions arose and these things been tested? Have the advocacy group been invited while testing the trains on the network over the last year?

[ozbob]

^ email the person who as put up the petition > geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au

They are clearly frustrated with the lack of communication and clarification ( as we all are ).

The Disability Access Action Plan was going to be publicised before the the opening of RPL.  I received a phone call alerting me to that fact, and then another to the effect it was off.  Nothing has happened publicly since.

[tazzer9]

Why does everyone make it out that the guard location will be the cause of the end of the human race.  Guess what, sydney did it without any problems. 
The bathroom I don't think they could make larger even if they tried.  However I would have prefer the current style of bathrooms and simply had 1 at both ends of the train. 

If the bathroom size doesn't meet our legislation standards, that should be considered a major design flaw and bombardier should be bearing the cost of redesign and compensation to the qld government.

[BrizCommuter]

Why does everyone make it out that the guard location will be the cause of the end of the human race.  Guess what, sydney did it without any problems. 
The bathroom I don't think they could make larger even if they tried.  However I would have prefer the current style of bathrooms and simply had 1 at both ends of the train. 

If the bathroom size doesn't meet our legislation standards, that should be considered a major design flaw and bombardier should be bearing the cost of redesign and compensation to the qld government.

Depends on whether the legislated standards were communicated to the manufacturer. Can anyone even find these legislated standards?

[mufreight]

Why does everyone make it out that the guard location will be the cause of the end of the human race.  Guess what, sydney did it without any problems. 
The bathroom I don't think they could make larger even if they tried.  However I would have prefer the current style of bathrooms and simply had 1 at both ends of the train. 

If the bathroom size doesn't meet our legislation standards, that should be considered a major design flaw and bombardier should be bearing the cost of redesign and compensation to the qld government.

The toilets in the 100 series and 160 series IMU meet the requirements so there is no justification for the toilets in the NGR trains not complying as for the guards location if it is at the rear of the train and a mobility impaired person wishes to board the train then I am quite sure that all of the passengers will be quite happy to sit there waiting while the guard walks up to the boarding point assists the person to board or detrain then walk back to the rear of the train to continue the service.

[petey3801]

By my personal observations, the toilet on the NGR is very similar in size to the 160/260, if not exactly the same or slightly bigger.

[tazzer9]

The toilets in the NGR look bigger, but would definitely be narrower.  At the wulkuraka open day, i even made mention to one of the bombardier staff that this one bathroom is similar in size to all the bathrooms combined on a 5 car XPT.
The since ones in the IMU's 100/120/160s are next to the drivers cabin, you only need a small walkway next to it, hency why they might make legislation

Depends on whether the legislated standards were communicated to the manufacturer. Can anyone even find these legislated standards?

. 
It's on the manufacturer to make sure of all required legislation and seek an exemption if they cannot make it.  If it was fully designed in australia this should be no problem as all firms know what they need to look up.

[petey3801]

Uh, they WERE fully designed in Australia. Milton, in fact.

If it does turn out to be problematic, it is as simple as loading all wheelchairs in the same carriage as the toilet, no matter the direction of travel. Quite easy.

[BrizCommuter]

It's on the manufacturer to make sure of all required legislation and seek an exemption if they cannot make it.  If it was fully designed in australia this should be no problem as all firms know what they need to look up.

Having been involved with multiple Queensland Government tenders I can assure you that the tender documentation has the state the requirements and list the legislation that needs to be adhered to by the vendor/manufacturer.

[ozbob]

24th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

Concerns with New Generation Rollingstock continues to fester.

The Government has failed to outline how assistance for mobility impaired passengers will work.

I was advised in September 2016 that the public release of the plan for disabled access for the NGR trains would be forthcoming soon.  However I was then subsequently informed that it had been put on hold.  It is now late February 2017.  Little wonder that concerns are being pursued by members of the community who are rightly concerned.

[  All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible
> https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible ]

It is time the Deputy Premier and Transport Minister updated the community with progress of the NGR trains and how they will accommodate people with disability.

Lack of transparency and timely communication just reflects what a botch this project is.  What is there to hide?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

21st February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

There are serious issues to be raised here with New Generation Rollingstock trains.

If the disability sector is forced to go to petition to highlight the problems something seriously amiss don't you think?
(See attached).

The first of the trains has been here one year now and we still do not see any of the new trains in revenue service.

The rail service is plagued by constant mechanical breakdowns, the new trains are needed urgently out on the network.

It is becoming very clear that the decision by the former Newman Government to exclude Queensland Rail from the Redcliffe Peninsula Line project, and the New Generation Rollingstock project and transfer absolute management to an incompetent DTMR/TransLink has contributed to failure.  It is time the real situation was called out.

This is a powerful demonstration of why a complete reorganisation of how public transport is administered, managed, delivered and operated in Queensland is needed.  [ RAIL Back on Track 8 Point Recovery Plan - Updated > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg188075#msg188075 ]

We have an utter shambles on our hands here in SEQ. 

Band-aids, spin and political posturing will not sort it.  SEQ is headlong into transport failure.

Have a great day now!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

19th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

To add to the rail fail concerns is the delayed New Generation Rollingstock trains.  We have raised our concerns a number of times now, to be largely ignored, which is the standard modus operandi of the failing transport  bureaucracy  in Queensland.  Now we have the disability sector adding to the clamour of despair:

===========================================

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

To: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon Jackie Trad

All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

SIGN THE PETITION
GTContact Campaign Creator
Campaign created by
Geoff Trappett

All aboard. If you can!  Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

Four billion dollars' worth of new Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will not be fully accessible to passengers with disability. Citizens with disability in Queensland call on the now Labor state government and its recently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Jackie Trad to follow through with the Premier's mandate to fix train transport. She can make a start on this by suspending work on NGR and commencing real negotiations with disability groups not stalling tactics. Thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used for fully functional accessible solutions not stop gap lowest price liabilities. Liabilities that will degrade SE Queensland as a destination of choice for tourism and reduce its standing as an inclusive region.

Why is this important?

People with disability (PWD) in Queensland need your support to ensure their citizen rights are upheld. Based on the specifications publicly available there will be many groups of PWD (vision impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability and autism) that will be disadvantaged in both boarding and exiting the trains. Taxpayer funded public transport that by its very nature is meant to be a driver for inclusion of citizens into community will instead exclude.

In 2013 the Newman government Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded a tender for NGR. The 75 newly designed trains are due to begin service on the South East Queensland passenger rail network later this year, and the remaining fleet rolled out by late 2018. The current design has a number of access issues.

1. The corridor linking a carriage purpose-designed with accessible seating and a toilet is too narrow for most manual and motorized wheelchairs causing some PWD to have to leave the train and re-enter through a different door in order to use the bathroom. A time consuming exercise, potentially dangerous whilst raining, all whilst the train stays to a timetable.

2. The toilet space does not meet the relevant size standards set out in legislation. Meaning it is simply inaccessible to some PWD who use a wheelchair for mobility and a danger to use for others.

3. The location of the guard (who assists a PWD with boarding and exiting the train) will be at the rear instead of in the middle of the train. This is a change from years of the guard being located in the middle of the train so as to intentionally align the guard with the purpose built accessible boarding area on existing station platforms. The new rear location presents potential safety concerns for a PWD being left behind on a platform due to not being seen from a guard location at the end-of-the-train – concerns that are real and potentially life threatening on an unmanned station late at night.

These trains are meant for 30-plus years of service, meaning potential generations of PWD missing out on community inclusion. The roll-out will coincide with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. The NDIS has been designed to be the foundation of a new era of participation for PWD, and accessible public transport is key to participation in jobs, education, training, social life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on "Towards an all abilities Queensland" which will become the new state government plan for disability in Queensland. Its proposed vision is that "Queenslanders of all abilities can live the life they choose." Given the $4b train design it begs the question, can PWD choose to use a train in Queensland?

If you feel PWD should be able to choose to use a train in Queensland please support this petition. If you would like to make an individual contribution make sure to also email the Deputy Premier (deputy.premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au) and cc myself (geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au) to explain to her exactly how this issue would deny your citizen rights.

===========================================

Hey ho, off to mediocrity we go!

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest: Concerns with New Generation Rollingstock continues to fester
> https://t.co/MI4iOlrj7F#qldpol #NGRfail@jackietrad @AnnastaciaMP pic.twitter.com/oiTZpyZDLi

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 23, 2017

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> QR's New Generation Rollingstock plagued by design issues

EVERY train platform at each of Queensland Rail's 143 Citytrain stations will need to be modified so the state's newest trains can stop safely as engineers scramble to overcome a spate of design flaws still plaguing the new "state of the art" fleet.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains remain mired in design problems – including windscreen visibility and its braking system – a year after the first train was delivered.

And the Government still doesn't know exactly when the first train will be able to carry passengers under the $4.4 billion project.

The NGR trains are still braking too heavily, drivers still can't properly see out of the windshield to safely stop at stations, and recommended changes to the placement of drivers' controls are still being worked on six months after on-track testing began and four months after the Government was forced to publicly admit the problems.

The continuing headache comes on top of the ongoing shortage of drivers that will see cancellations until at least the end of 2018 and an overhaul of QR's management recommended in last month's Strachan report.

TransLink has confirmed work will likely be needed on every platform to fix the NGR's line-of-sight issues by moving marker posts or painting new markers for the drivers to use to gauge safe stopping distances.

It's a separate issue to braking problems that mean the trains are braking too quickly, jolting those on board.

Thirteen trains have so far been delivered – the first in February last year – but only three have been put through any on-track testing and none have passed.

Two more trains are due next month but the state hasn't paid the Bombardier-led consortium Qtectic for a single one yet because of the issues.

The Government still has no idea when the problems will be resolved so that trains can start carrying passengers, saying only that they are due to take to the tracks "before July 1".

They were originally supposed to begin service late last year.

Newly reappointed Transport Minister Jackie Trad said that she was looking into the issues.

"I am determined to fix Queensland Rail and as part of that I am carefully examining the progress of the NGR trains," she said.

A TransLink spokesman confirmed "improvements" to the NGR design were still being worked through in a "thorough technical review and testing program".

"The first NGR train is expected to commence passenger service in the first half of the year, but only after on-track testing has been finalised and then a comprehensive engineering process is complete," the spokesman said.

"Extensive on-track testing has identified the need for adjustments to the NGR unit brakes, which is being resolved with the supplier.

"Sight lines from the driver's cab differ from the existing fleet, as the NGR trains have longer aerodynamic noses, and simulations are currently under way to test visibility at stopping markers and level crossings in southeast Queensland to determine whether additional station work may be required."

Recommendations have also been made to redesign controls in the drivers' cab to improve the posture and comfort of the driver.

And testing of the passenger emergency intercoms in each car, to alert the driver and guard of an emergency, was still under way after ­initial testing found that they were not able to send any audio to QR's Rail Management Centre.

The intercoms do allow a passenger to speak to the driver and guard, who can view them on CCTV.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

1st March 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility and other issues ..

Good Morning,

We have been warning for months now that there are issues with the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains.

Unbelievable botch this.  Just more evidence of the need for proper reform for the management delivery and operation of public transport in Queensland.

TransLink, Transport and Main Roads, and Queensland Rail are failures. Will they get more cash bonuses to continue the mediocrity?

Now the Couriermail has exposed some more of the NGR design issues.

QR's New Generation Rollingstock plagued by design issues

--> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/qrs-new-generation-rollingstock-plagued-by-design-issues/news-story/dbbaa14a7750ae627e9c72e7254f8109

The state of public transport in Queensland is appalling.  Nothing short of proper reform will do.  We have shown how this should occur.

Public Transport Queensland --> https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg188412#msg188412

Just when you think it couldn't get much worse it does!

FARCE!

Best wishes
Robert

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

24th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

Concerns with New Generation Rollingstock continues to fester.

The Government has failed to outline how assistance for mobility impaired passengers will work.

I was advised in September 2016 that the public release of the plan for disabled access for the NGR trains would be forthcoming soon.  However I was then subsequently informed that it had been put on hold.  It is now late February 2017.  Little wonder that concerns are being pursued by members of the community who are rightly concerned.

[  All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible
> https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible ]

It is time the Deputy Premier and Transport Minister updated the community with progress of the NGR trains and how they will accommodate people with disability.

Lack of transparency and timely communication just reflects what a botch this project is.  What is there to hide?

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

21st February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

There are serious issues to be raised here with New Generation Rollingstock trains.

If the disability sector is forced to go to petition to highlight the problems something seriously amiss don't you think?
(See attached).

The first of the trains has been here one year now and we still do not see any of the new trains in revenue service.

The rail service is plagued by constant mechanical breakdowns, the new trains are needed urgently out on the network.

It is becoming very clear that the decision by the former Newman Government to exclude Queensland Rail from the Redcliffe Peninsula Line project, and the New Generation Rollingstock project and transfer absolute management to an incompetent DTMR/TransLink has contributed to failure.  It is time the real situation was called out.

This is a powerful demonstration of why a complete reorganisation of how public transport is administered, managed, delivered and operated in Queensland is needed.  [ RAIL Back on Track 8 Point Recovery Plan - Updated > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=12341.msg188075#msg188075 ]

We have an utter shambles on our hands here in SEQ. 

Band-aids, spin and political posturing will not sort it.  SEQ is headlong into transport failure.

Have a great day now!

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

19th February 2017

New Generation Trains - accessibility Issues

Good Morning,

To add to the rail fail concerns is the delayed New Generation Rollingstock trains.  We have raised our concerns a number of times now, to be largely ignored, which is the standard modus operandi of the failing transport  bureaucracy  in Queensland.  Now we have the disability sector adding to the clamour of despair:

===========================================

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

To: Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon Jackie Trad

All aboard. If you can! Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

SIGN THE PETITION
GTContact Campaign Creator
Campaign created by
Geoff Trappett

All aboard. If you can!  Make QRs new $4b trains accessible

Four billion dollars' worth of new Queensland New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) trains will not be fully accessible to passengers with disability. Citizens with disability in Queensland call on the now Labor state government and its recently appointed Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport and Main Roads, the Hon Jackie Trad to follow through with the Premier's mandate to fix train transport. She can make a start on this by suspending work on NGR and commencing real negotiations with disability groups not stalling tactics. Thereby ensuring taxpayer funds are used for fully functional accessible solutions not stop gap lowest price liabilities. Liabilities that will degrade SE Queensland as a destination of choice for tourism and reduce its standing as an inclusive region.

Why is this important?

People with disability (PWD) in Queensland need your support to ensure their citizen rights are upheld. Based on the specifications publicly available there will be many groups of PWD (vision impairment, physical disability, intellectual disability and autism) that will be disadvantaged in both boarding and exiting the trains. Taxpayer funded public transport that by its very nature is meant to be a driver for inclusion of citizens into community will instead exclude.

In 2013 the Newman government Department of Transport and Main Roads awarded a tender for NGR. The 75 newly designed trains are due to begin service on the South East Queensland passenger rail network later this year, and the remaining fleet rolled out by late 2018. The current design has a number of access issues.

1. The corridor linking a carriage purpose-designed with accessible seating and a toilet is too narrow for most manual and motorized wheelchairs causing some PWD to have to leave the train and re-enter through a different door in order to use the bathroom. A time consuming exercise, potentially dangerous whilst raining, all whilst the train stays to a timetable.

2. The toilet space does not meet the relevant size standards set out in legislation. Meaning it is simply inaccessible to some PWD who use a wheelchair for mobility and a danger to use for others.

3. The location of the guard (who assists a PWD with boarding and exiting the train) will be at the rear instead of in the middle of the train. This is a change from years of the guard being located in the middle of the train so as to intentionally align the guard with the purpose built accessible boarding area on existing station platforms. The new rear location presents potential safety concerns for a PWD being left behind on a platform due to not being seen from a guard location at the end-of-the-train – concerns that are real and potentially life threatening on an unmanned station late at night.

These trains are meant for 30-plus years of service, meaning potential generations of PWD missing out on community inclusion. The roll-out will coincide with the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland. The NDIS has been designed to be the foundation of a new era of participation for PWD, and accessible public transport is key to participation in jobs, education, training, social life.

The Queensland Government is currently consulting on "Towards an all abilities Queensland" which will become the new state government plan for disability in Queensland. Its proposed vision is that "Queenslanders of all abilities can live the life they choose." Given the $4b train design it begs the question, can PWD choose to use a train in Queensland?

If you feel PWD should be able to choose to use a train in Queensland please support this petition. If you would like to make an individual contribution make sure to also email the Deputy Premier (deputy.premier@ministerial.qld.gov.au) and cc myself (geofftrappett@inclusionmoves.com.au) to explain to her exactly how this issue would deny your citizen rights.

===========================================

Hey ho, off to mediocrity we go!

Best wishes
Robert

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

[ozbob]

Latest SHOCKER!
' New Generation Trains - accessibility and other issues '
> https://t.co/E3kCqTj9BC#qldpol@jackietrad @AndrewPowellMP pic.twitter.com/9o10ilYhaS

— Robert Dow (@Robert_Dow) February 28, 2017

[ozbob]

Close to 150 train stations across QLD will soon undergo urgent modifications. #9News pic.twitter.com/xmpAp2Hyhk

— Nine News Brisbane (@9NewsBrisbane) February 28, 2017

[ozbob]

With respect to the stop markers for NGR.  Mufreight and I had some discussion about this yesterday.  On the Sydney network, they also used track stopping markers (not sure if the do though - maybe they can see out of their trains these days). These track stopping markers can be a piece of steel, say a small white triangle fixed to a sleeper so that the driver can make the final brake application in the right time sequence.  It would also be possible to set it up as a transponder system so that as the train approaches the stopping mark an alarm is sounded in the cab for a signal for final brake. 

Personally I think simple markers are preferred.  Nothing much to fail ...

[Stillwater]

And all the while, Ms Trad shouts: "Over here, Cross River Rail -- it remains the government's No.1 priority.  It's shovel ready.  Don't look there!  New stations, get to the cricket by rail.  Lookee here!"

Fundamentals ... ETCS, drivers/guards, NGR trains, return to effective timetabling.  There is so much to fix within existing budgets without splashing out another $5.4b to buy something that very likely will be a big mess (remember signalling problems on the Redcliffe Peninsula Line) because the culture and administrative arrangements within QR, TransLink and TMR have not been sorted.

These things require very little money.  They do require a strong-willed and focussed government.  Too easily, Ms Trad wants to play the political games rather than apply herself to the work of fundamental reform.

16 tonnes of equipment not installed in one train!    

[#Metro]

16 tonnes of equipment not installed in one train.

Sounds dramatic but maybe its just the seating not installed due to testing?

They only told us the weight - they didn't say what was missing or why.

[ozbob]

Just completed a pre-record interview with Nicole Dyer ABC Gold Coast Radio re the concerns with NGR raised by passengers with disability and the petition --> https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/all-aboard-if-you-can-make-qrs-new-4b-trains-accessible

Might be doing another interview on this topic with ABC Radio Brisbane (Steve Austin) ~ 9.15am. 
Depends on availability of others.

[ozbob]

7 News and 9 News will be interviewing me later today on NGR.

BREAKING!  Just heard on 4BC Radio that the importation of NGR trains has been suspended pending rectification of design flaws.

#railfail hits another low point!

[BrizCommuter]

Good to see that the CM are only about 6 months behind on the news!

[ozbob]

 ABC News --> Queensland Rail's new train order derailed by Jackie Trad over ongoing design problems

The Queensland Government has halted the delivery of new trains for Queensland Rail (QR) from the manufacturer in India, because of ongoing problems with their operation.

Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Jackie Trad said the New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) has significant design issues which need to be sorted, including braking problems and driver visibility issues.

It is another major setback for QR management, coming on top of the ongoing driver shortage that has caused a significant cutback in services and prompted former transport minister Stirling Hinchliffe to resign last month.

He did so shortly after a damning commission of inquiry report into the driver shortage found complacency, a reluctance to share bad news and an "unwieldy" management structure led to the crisis.

Mr Hinchliffe admitted to problems with the NGR last October, saying some drivers were not able to see the stopping points on platforms from the windscreens of the trains.

Queensland has already taken delivery of 13 of the 75 trains on order with another two in transit as part of the $4.4 billion deal.

'You get what you pay for'

Ms Trad said no money had been paid to the companies involved in their construction, Bombardier and Qtectic, and pointed the finger of blame at the former LNP government.

"Back in January 2014 Tim Nicholls and Scott Emerson announced ... they were crowing about the fact that they were getting these trains for half price manufactured in India," she said.

"Now everybody knows you get what you pay for.

"There will be no further deliveries until issues identified by Queensland Rail engineers have been addressed.

"There are a number of issues around the detailed design ranging from windscreen visibility, braking systems, air-conditioning, etcetera etcetera.

Ms Trad said the NGR carriages first started arriving in 2015.

"I think it's time we said no more deliveries until we sort out all the issues and these trains are able to run on Queensland tracks," she said.

"We have paid nothing so far and we don't pay until these trains run on our tracks."

Labor 'doesn't know how to run public transport'

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said the latest problem was a "Labor own goal" and Ms Trad was trying to cover up for their failures.

"The trains that were being delivered were trains that were actually ordered under the supervision and guidance of the Premier's handpicked director-general Dave Stewart - he ran the procurement process," he said.

"We've also seen Jackie Trad's current director-general Neil Scales say these trains are fit for purpose.

"There are some minor adjustments that needed to be done, as is always the case with new gear but they are the right product to deliver for Queensland.

"It's because Labor is mucking around, don't know how to run the public transport system and today we're simply seeing Jackie Trad trying to muddy the waters to cover up their own incompetence."

The Newman Government kicked QR out of the project essentially.  Left it with TMR/TransLink  and they have botched it.  Bombardier build to the specifications. 

All the more reason for Public Transport Queensland - with of course a key heavy rail division.  Enough of this shambles ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

16 tonnes of equipment not installed in one train.

Sounds dramatic but maybe its just the seating not installed due to testing?

They only told us the weight - they didn't say what was missing or why.

Some things get fitted locally but most didn't come with seats as it makes it difficult to load drums of sand for passenger load testing if there are seats wrapped in plastic everywhere.