New Generation Rollingstock

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/983742767087009793

[ozbob]

11th April 2018

NGR trains non compliance is not going away ...

Good Morning,

The non compliance of the New Generation Rollingstock trains is not going away any time soon. The State of Queensland's reputation is increasingly being shredded.  No clear rectification plan yet?  Time is marching on ...

The Conversation --> Commonwealth Games have better integrated para-sports, but society needs to catch up

The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018 is the largest major sporting event to integrate para-sports. But the inclusiveness of the Games only highlights the challenges of the everyday lived experience of people with disabilities in Australia and the other 72 countries competing.

Australia's best known para-sport athlete, Kurt Fearnley, identified the introduction of the wheelchair marathon (for T54 classified atheletes) as the perfect swansong to his illustrious career.

Fearnley and the more than 300 other para-athletes are well catered for within the sport arenas, Commonwealth Games village, transport arrangements and official functions.

But what of the thousands of friends, family, officials and spectators whose access needs are not catered for in the surrounding communities?

Right on the doorstep of the Games, for example, Queensland Rail's newly acquired A$4.4 billion trains have inaccessible bathrooms and walkways. Not to mention a lack of staff support when people with access needs are boarding.

This is just one example of the institutionalised discrimination in the everyday lives of people with disability in Australia and around the world.

As outlined by the Commonwealth Games program, these Games have shown an outstanding commitment to the expansion of para-sports. The 38 medal events being contested represent a 73% increase from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014.

Along with this increase in events is a 45% rise in the number of athletes competing across seven sports, including swimming, javelin, cycling (track), lawn bowls, table tennis, triathlon and power-lifting.

The overall responsibility for accessibility and inclusion of the athlete experience has been integrated as part of the broader sustainability program of the games.

The sustainability program clearly states the importance of accessibility for the athletes in a sporting context and the Commonwealth Games Village. But it also emphasises the importance of accessibility for all those attending any of the events:

Providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all, ensuring all competition venues will be accessible for people with mobility and other impairments and providing a range of accessible facilities and services.

In February 2017 the GC2018, Gold Coast Tourism and Gold Coast City Council hosted a community forum that sought to encourage the tourism industry to leverage the Games well beyond the closing ceremony.

That forum can be thought of as an extension of the International Paralympic Committee's objective of an "accessibility legacy" for host cities and destinations.

Building on the integrated inclusiveness of the previous five integrated Commonwealth Games the Gold Coast has raised awareness for providing accessibility across disability dimensions for the event, such as mobility, hearing and vision, but potentially raised the expectations of an ongoing legacy in the community and those visiting the Gold Coast requiring accessible accommodation.

Simultaneously, the Queensland government launched a guide, Inclusive Tourism: Making Your Business more Accessible and Inclusive, for business.

This guide was later supported with research, Accessible Tourism in Victoria and Queensland, carried out in conjunction with Tourism Research Australia, which valued the market at A$8 billion annually.

However, even before the opening ceremony the disregard for people with disabilities in other areas of life had tarnished the tremendous efforts by the organising committee and the Queensland government.

To achieve an accessibility legacy for all beyond the life of the event requires all levels of government and the private sector to be involved, in areas such as urban planning, transport and development, to ensure there are continuous paths of travel for people with disabilities.

People with disabilities have the same right, and the same interest as others, in being able to access buildings, buses and bars in order to participate fully in all aspects of life.
Disregard for people with disabilities

Disability advocacy groups, individuals with disabilities and law firms were outraged that Queensland Rail's new trains did not meet the Disability Discrimination Act's standards, despite six years of planning.

Rectifying this has been estimated to cost A$150 million, which Queensland Rail has said would come from its contingency budget.

The State of Queensland and Queensland Rail had made a joint application for a temporary exemption from the Australian Human Rights Commission from the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport to carry out its works. The Australian Human Rights Commission refused the exemption request.

Leaving aside the technicalities of the accessibility of trains, this case signifies that a major state government, its rail provider, as well as previous governments of both major party political persuasions, did not value the citizenship rights of people with disabilities.

Transport is the lifeblood of social participation, whether that is going to a major sport event, getting an education, or keeping a job.

That the trains did not meet the Disability Discrimination Act (in place since 1993), and the specifics of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport (in place since 2002), was aptly described as Twitter lit up as a "debacle".

Para-athletes whose elite athletic experiences can be some of the most inclusive on offer are still subject to all forms of discrimination that the community of people with disabilities regularly face beyond the major sport event experience.

This was nowhere more evident than the experiences of wheelchair racer Nikki Emerson on an Emirates flight to the Games. Emerson was made to wait an hour to access the toilets as a member of the cabin staff challenged her right of "climbing on the floor" to get to the toilet as it "upset other passengers".

These examples suggest that people with disability live in a world where some experiences and activities (like a major sport event) are valued as they signify to the world that the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia are fair and equitable.

Yet the everyday lived experiences suggest an ongoing struggle for fair treatment in all areas of citizenship.

It's so frustrating when we see the political will to deliver an inclusive major sport event when the eyes of the world are watching.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[Stillwater]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the feats of the para athletes in the various events in which they have competed -- and so have the crowds at venues, judging by their reaction.  Full integration of the para events into the Games program is a successful formula.

[BrizCommuter]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the feats of the para athletes in the various events in which they have competed -- and so have the crowds at venues, judging by their reaction.  Full integration of the para events into the Games program is a successful formula.

Completely agree. Now they just need integration on public transport!

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/984110781678551042

[tazzer9]

The new class 700 trains in the UK seem to be pretty similar.  And not just the fact the NGR's are also 700 series.

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

19th April 2018

NGR trains non-compliance is not going away ...

Good Morning,

Any progress with the rectification plan for the non-compliant New Generation Rollingstock trains?  They are non-compliant and are operating without the protection of a legal exemption ( https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/legal/exemptions/exemption-applications-under-disability-discrimination-act-1992-cth ) .

The entire SEQ rail network is at risk should a successful injunctive action force the ' State of Queensland ' to cease operating the non-compliant NGR trains.  The best defence is to lock in a proper rectification plan and commence the necessary works.

Still no response to our call for a proper Commission of Inquiry/Parliamentary Inquiry into this botched project.  We will be proceeding with our own New Generation Rollingstock Public Inquiry in 24 days if no Government response ( https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=13073.0 ). What a sad indictment that would be on the State if we are forced to proceed.  A State that ' talks the talk, but seriously fails to walk the talk '.

Best wishes,
Robert

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

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/986638579618099200

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/986642267753467904

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/987873476416450560

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/987936412656795648

[not_available]

Just saw a ngr heading out to kippa ring 1/2 way between Rothwell and Kippa Ring 4 minutes ago. Didn't see number as heading other way/wasn't expecting a  train at that time, let alone an NGR this far north.

[Stillwater]

Are those trains on agistment being washed or otherwise maintained?  Might be some good PR for Queensland Rail if they got the Goodna Scouts in with buckets and sponges to give them a once-over.

[SurfRail]

They aren't even keeping the NGRs out on the road clean.  That smooth finish really gets dirty, no stainless steel fluting to hide the grime.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/989332036111421440

" Queensland's anti-discrimination commissioner Kevin Cocks has labelled the move to introduce the NGR trains before disability access was fixed as "reprehensible ".

29 Jan 2018 https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/queensland/people-need-to-travel-differently-during-commonwealth-games-minister-warns-20180129-p4yyzk.html

[ozbob]

Executive General Manager (Accessible Transport Networks)

> https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-267055-18

As the Executive General Manager (Accessible Transport Networks) you will guide the Department to be a world leader in seamless journeys for all public transport users and delivery of accessible services. Formulating both the vision and drive for accessible services to all transport users, with a major focus on ensuring accessibility for network patrons living with a disability. In addition you will shape a cultural transformation ensuring all transport services and departmental products are accessible to all customers. You will enjoy working in a challenging environment and have an enthusiasm for transport accessibility and services.

Executive General Manager, Accessible Transport Networks

• Key Leadership Role

• Exciting opportunity to shape transport accessibility across Queensland

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads is responsible for the state-wide delivery of a single integrated transport network that is accessible to everyone.

The Department is seeking to appoint an Executive General Manager (EGM) that will guide the Department to be a world leader in seamless journeys for all public transport users and delivery of accessible services, particularly for patrons living with a disability.

The EGM will be a key member of the Department and will provide a strategic leadership, direction and vision for accessible services to all transport users.

This is a very exciting opportunity that will require the EGM to:

• Explore innovative and transformative initiatives to enhance passenger transport and deliver a service that is cost effective and environmentally sustainable for all users, especially users with a disability

• Create opportunities for the Department to engage and work with the community to identify, understand and respect the differences in requirements for accessibility access to the transport network

• Manifest a Department wide culture of integrated planning to ensure that public transport design and planning takes a holistic perspective and focusses implementing a transport network that is accessible to all users

You will have a successful track record as a leader in a large and complex organisation with a specific experience in leading transformative change on an organisational level. You will have proven skills and knowledge of the disability sector a strong working relationships with this sector. You will have highly developed influencing skills and apolitical and commercial acumen. Tertiary or post graduate qualifications in Business, Law, Marketing, Economics, Psychology and / or Leadership.

[red dragin]

So:
Straughan -> scathing of the goverment -> hired by the Government he condemned -> effectively silenced under the guise of "fixing it"
Cocks  -> scathing of the goverment -> hired by the Government he condemned -> effectively silenced under the guise of "fixing it"

Or am I just being a suspicious skeptic and have watched too much "Yes Minister" & "Utopia" 

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/990440134716801024

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/990440497058463744

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/990628137993097217

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

30th April 2018

800 days since NGR 701 towed to Wulkuraka

Good Morning,

Today marks the 800th day since NGR 701 was triumphantly towed to Wulkuraka on the 19th February 2016.





NGR 701 is presently at Redbank Workshops on ' agistment '



NGR 701 (left) with NGR 715 at Redbank Workshops 29th April 2018.

If this is it not a testament to failure what is?

Best wishes,
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

29th April 2018

New Generation Rollingstock Public Inquiry Countdown

Good Morning,

Two weeks before we proceed with our New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) Public Inquiry.
Preparation for the Inquiry proceeds > https://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?board=88.0

A State that manages to order non DDA DSAPT compliant new trains considering that has been a requirement since 2002 needs to be held to account.  If the State will not examine the factors contributing to the NGR $4.4 Billion project failure then we will have to do it for them.  A sign of an extremely dysfunctional Government and Bureaucracy for sure, but that is the circus that is Queensland transport these days.

A leadership vacuum throughout Government.  A transport portfolio in disarray.  Don't forget the State's disregard of the AHRC's rebuttal of the temporary exemption application by the State for the NGRs means the non compliance still has a long way to go.  It is possible that the NGR trains could be the subject of an injunction action.  Since the State has starting withdrawing the problematical EMU trains it is foreseeable that the rail network could be thrown into an even worse crisis than the present chronic rail fail situation.

The key questions we will examine should our inquiry proceed are:

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?

The ball is in your court ' State of Queensland '.  Can you find the courage to return serve or will you continue to cower deeper into the shadowy halls of incompetence, cover-up and bungle?

Have a nice day.

Regards
Robert

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

[not_available]

Just saw 718 heading to BNE at Bowen Hills. I guess that means another one in service.
703 704 705 706 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 716 and now 718!
13 in service as far as I'm aware.
Which line would probably get the NGRs next?

[ozbob]

Just saw 718 heading to BNE at Bowen Hills. I guess that means another one in service.
703 704 705 706 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 716 and now 718!
13 in service as far as I'm aware.
Which line would probably get the NGRs next?

I think it is 14 now.  Not sure which one is number 14.  Just saw NGR 712 DOWN Goodna 12.10pm.

[jesse]

Interesting to note that for the past 5-7 days, fit for service NGR's have been testing on the Caboolture and Redcliffe Penninsula lines. 712 and 709 were seen today in the Eastern Yard at Caboolture. Perhaps train crew based on the Northside getting familiar with the units in preparation for NGRs on different lines soon...

[burgo]

What is the purpose of the gangway doors?

[tazzer9]

What is the purpose of the gangway doors?

I wondered this when I first went on them.  I presumed that they were to lock off cars such as late nights when 6 car trains run as 3 cars.  Or if there is alot of vandalism or mechanical issues

[Arnz]

I'm also assuming carriage locking whenever the NGRs happen to make it into revenue service onto the short platform stations west of Ipswich (Zero Harm).  Assuming the same may happen on the rare occasion at Traveston IF the NGR happens to make it on the (assumably) rare Gympie North run. Which the Gympielander would assumably be operated mostly by the IMU100/120s by that point.

[burgo]

I wondered if they could be used to segregate the quiet carriages. They have very public friendly open door buttons. Note they there is only one door between two cars, unlike older series that have doors on both adjoining cars that you must pass through.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/InclusionMoves/status/992261932483723265

[Stillwater]

So, discrimination against people with disabilities wanting to travel to Hendra, Clayfield and Ascot?

This is going to get quite messy.  Your train might not turn up because it is Friday and a different timetable applies, or it might be a 3-car service and crowded, or if in a wheelchair, you don't quite know where to position yourself on the platform, you may not be able to get off at the station you desire, chances are high your train will have a mechanical breakdown, or will be subject to 'operational issues', or in fact could be a bus if travelling on the SCL.

[not_available]

I'm pretty sure that the Doomben line is already not the most DDA compliant part of the SEQ rail network...

I think it is 14 now.  Not sure which one is number 14.  Just saw NGR 712 DOWN Goodna 12.10pm.

Don't suppose they finally got 707 going?

[Arnz]

Schedulers/Yard Masters I'm sure would have to be extra careful to ensure the NGRs on the Doomben run doesn't get allocated to a run sheet that has the train working a PM Peak Cleveland or a short-running Beenleigh line service later in the afternoon.

[ozbob]

New Generation Rollingstock --> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Generation_Rollingstock

Has some useful references.  Lists the length of NGR cars at 23.9 metres.

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

https://www.bombardier.com/en/transportation/projects/project.EMU-Queensland-Australia.html?f-region=middle-east-and-africa

Operator    Queensland Rail (QR)
Length over coupler (driving car)    25,085 mm
Length over coupler (trailer car)    24,000 mm
Width (including doors)    2,746 mm
Max. Speed    140 km/h
Passenger seats per 6 car set    454
Bogies    Narrow gauge (1,067 mm)
Contract Awarded    January 2014

[BrizCommuter]

Schedulers/Yard Masters I'm sure would have to be extra careful to ensure the NGRs on the Doomben run doesn't get allocated to a run sheet that has the train working a PM Peak Cleveland or a short-running Beenleigh line service later in the afternoon.

It would decrease flexibility if a service re-determination is required. These happen not too infrequently. When for example, a train running late magically turns into the following service.

[ozbob]

Queensland Parliament Hansard

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/2018/2018_05_15_DAILY.pdf

Questions without notice

Energy Queensland, Algie, Mr M

Mr WATTS: My question without notice is to the Premier. Will the Premier waive cabinet
confidentiality protection over the documents relating to Mark Algie's appointment to the board of
Energy Queensland and hand over any evidence to the Crime and Corruption Commission as
requested?

Ms PALASZCZUK: I thank the member for the question. Of course, the CCC is allowed to get
any documents it wants. What we have not seen from those opposite are the cabinet documents relating
to the NGR. I would really like to see those cabinet documents about the cost blowouts, disability
compliance, who signed those contracts and how much taxpayers' money has been wasted on the
signing of those contracts. We would like to see those contracts as well. Perhaps the member opposite
can talk to Leader of the Opposition about that.

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

" ... What we have not seen from those opposite are the cabinet documents relating
to the NGR. I would really like to see those cabinet documents about the cost blowouts, disability
compliance, who signed those contracts and how much taxpayers' money has been wasted on the
signing of those contracts. ... "

[techblitz]

How cheap and nasty are the seat on these things??
just jumped off ngr12 where my window seat was a what you would call 'loud creaker'.
I'm seriously like 90kg max.If the seats are creaking already after a few months how on earth are they going to be in a year or two?

[HappyTrainGuy]

You get what you pay for.

[achiruel]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

[BrizCommuter]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

There would be no cheap way out of the current NGR contract. However if future orders are not to be NGRs, then work needs to start now to ensure that they are in operation for CRR opening.

[ozbob]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

There would be no cheap way out of the current NGR contract. However if future orders are not to be NGRs, then work needs to start now to ensure that they are in operation for CRR opening.

We are stuck with the 75 six car NGRs for the next 30 years plus (if they last that long).

(Note: NGRs can be configured for 9 car sets don't forget)

Agree should start planning for the next 50 six car equivalents.  I think they should look at upgraded 160s with full ETCS etc. Keep them in the 3 car sets too, so that would be 100 3 car units with toilets.  That will give them a bit more operational flexibility.

The only way more Bombardiers would be achieved is if they are built locally as per the VLocitys down south.

[achiruel]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

There would be no cheap way out of the current NGR contract. However if future orders are not to be NGRs, then work needs to start now to ensure that they are in operation for CRR opening.

Yeah, I get that we're stuck with 75 NGRs, I was meaning more for future requirements (rather than current, which the NGRs really are, despite only a handful being in service so far).

I just thought that buying something similar to a TransPerth C series would reduce development costs (design, tooling etc) and hopefully they actually know how to make a DDA-compliant train. Realistically, the next order needs to be placed now, not two years or more down the track when the NGR mess is sorted.

[verbatim9]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

There would be no cheap way out of the current NGR contract. However if future orders are not to be NGRs, then work needs to start now to ensure that they are in operation for CRR opening.

Yeah, I get that we're stuck with 75 NGRs, I was meaning more for future requirements (rather than current, which the NGRs really are, despite only a handful being in service so far).

I just thought that buying something similar to a TransPerth C series would reduce development costs (design, tooling etc) and hopefully they actually know how to make a DDA-compliant train. Realistically, the next order needs to be placed now, not two years or more down the track when the NGR mess is sorted.

Adelaide has Bombardier Electric trains similar to the (diesel ones in Vic) but built to standards. Top speed is slower than the NGR's by 20kph or 30kph, "I believe".

[achiruel]

Regarding the lack of rolling stock, what would stop QR from ordering 50 modified TransPerth C series? Probably better than ordering and then trying to fix another 50 NGRs.

There would be no cheap way out of the current NGR contract. However if future orders are not to be NGRs, then work needs to start now to ensure that they are in operation for CRR opening.

Yeah, I get that we're stuck with 75 NGRs, I was meaning more for future requirements (rather than current, which the NGRs really are, despite only a handful being in service so far).

I just thought that buying something similar to a TransPerth C series would reduce development costs (design, tooling etc) and hopefully they actually know how to make a DDA-compliant train. Realistically, the next order needs to be placed now, not two years or more down the track when the NGR mess is sorted.

Adelaide has Bombardier Electric trains similar to the (diesel ones in Vic) but built to standards. Top speed is slower than the NGR's by 20kph or 30kph, "I believe".

I can't see Adelaide trains being of much use in Qld, seeing as how they're standard gauge. That's why I thought TransPerth trains would be a better fit. After all, weren't the TransPerth B-series based off the IMU160/SMU260 series (or was it the other way around)?