Safety and security issues, articles, discussion.

[ozbob]

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/9/27/graduate-snos-join-the-network

Assistant Minister for Public Transport
Mr Steve Minnikin
Friday, September 27, 2013

Graduate SNOs join the network

Seven new graduate Senior Network Officers will target fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on south east Queensland's public transport network from tomorrow.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin congratulated the new recruits who were presented with their authorised badges.

"The new graduates will start work from Saturday and play an important role in managing the huge crowds which catch public transport to and from Riverfire," Mr Minnikin said.

"All officers are subjected to an intensive recruitment process including stringent screening and rigorous training to ensure they are suitable for the job.

"SNOs regularly conduct blitzes at hot spots across the network and recently targetted the Gold Coast where 534 infringement notices were issued."

Mr Minnikin said the Newman Government was on track to double the number of SNOs on the network by July next year.

"Recruitment is underway for the next 10 new officers to join south east Queensland's public transport network," he said.

"SNOs work alongside Transit Officers, Queensland Police Service rail squad and security staff to deter anti-social behaviour and make the public transport network a safer environment for all passengers."

SNOs are highly trained officers who have extended powers under the Transport Operations (passenger transport) Act 1994, including the authority to detain and search where necessary.

[longboi]

The new SNOs were at Mitchelton the other day getting some practical training in a station lockdown.

[techblitz]

southern star yesterday

[ozbob]

End of the line for stuff

--> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gallery-fnihsrf2-1226738588546?page=1

[Fares_Fair]

End of the line for stuff

--> http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gallery-fnihsrf2-1226738588546?page=1

Incredible... all of the paraphernalia that gets lost or left on a train.
I have always found QR to be very helpful in the recovery of lost or left behind items. 

[ozbob]

From the Brisbane mX 29th October 2013 page 1

Cries of pane

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail safety hit by red light running, passenger falls at stations

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

16th November 2013

SEQ: Suburban rail network needs Automatic Train Protection too!

Greetings,

As the Minister's statement indicated ( http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/11/14/motorists-take-heed-around-level-crossings ) Signals Passed at Danger is a concern.  Time to move to the next level of train protection.

Best wishes
Robert

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

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

Media release 9th April 2013 re-released 16th November 2013



SEQ: Suburban rail network needs Automatic Train Protection too!

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has said the introduction of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) which incorporates improved signalling is well overdue on the suburban rail network in SEQ (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Automatic Train Protection (ATP) is a system that relays signal information, track speed information and other track information to trains, and can automatically slow or stop trains if they exceed the track speeds or approach signals at STOP at too high a speed. It will also stop trains that pass a signal at STOP unless a specific procedure is followed."

"There are concerns with rail safety generally and it is time that ATP was introduced on the suburban rail network."

ATP is needed because:

Safety - the current Automatic Warning System installed on Queensland Rail's suburban network will not prevent crashes or derailments caused by:

1) Excessive speed around corners or through switches.
2) Excessive speed through red signals compromising the safe stopping distance.
3) Excessive speed through yellow signals, again compromising the safe stopping distance.
4) Excessive speed on approach to dead end tracks, such as at termini.

ATP will prevent the majority of crashes caused by the above.

Capacity - ATP in conjunction with a high capacity signalling system such as European Railway Traffic Management System - ERTMS - level 2 allows for higher train frequencies and/or higher reliability.  This is important as we approach maximum capacity limits on the Merivale Bridge.

Cost savings - ERTMS level 2 has less track wayside equipment, reducing equipment maintenance costs.  Longer term significant cost savings.

Open market - as ERTMS is standards based, multiple manufacturers can bid for contracts. Multiple manufacturers can also be involved in a contract. Leads times may be faster, and approval processes may be simplified.

"It appears that moves to implement ATP have stalled (3).  We can really afford to wait any longer?"

References:

1. Automatic Train Protection (ATP) http://www.railsafe.org.au/section.jsp?id=8684

2. The European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS)  http://www.ertms.net/ertms/ertms-in-brief.aspx

3. Rail Safety Systems Assessment of the South East Queensland Rail Network http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/~/media/Safety/railsafety/rail%20safety%20systems%20assessment%20of%20seq%20rail%20network%20update%202.pdf

Contact:

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

[ozbob]

7 News

Taxpayers foot train vandals' damage bill

--> http://au.news.yahoo.com/qld/video/watch/19954952/taxpayers-foot-train-vandals-damage-bill/

[techblitz]

Last night i witnessed a driver being spat on an inala bound route.Bus delayed almost an hour. Police had to be called in as there was no cctv onboard the bus.Bus driver handled him self very calmly and is to be commended.

[ozbob]

Minister for Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
The Honourable Tracy Davis

Queensland men urged to "Swear and Wear" on White Ribbon Day

Queensland men and boys are today being urged to support efforts to end violence against women this White Ribbon Day.

Communities Minister Tracy Davis, this morning joined over one thousand people in Toowoomba to fight violence against women.

"The White Ribbon Day campaign is about raising community awareness and encouraging men to stand up and speak out against this heinous act towards women," Ms Davis said.

"White Ribbon Day sends out a strong message to the community that violence perpetrated by men against women will not be tolerated.

"That is why this White Ribbon Day I ask all Queensland men to take the oath and send the strong message that violence against women is simply unacceptable."

Ms Davis announced last week that the Newman Government had contributed $40,000 in funding as part of a new partnership with White Ribbon Australia, to help rid violence against women from Queensland communities.

"This partnership is another example of how this government is working with organisations and communities to revitalise front line services as we promised at the election," she said.

"It will help raise awareness, and fund prevention initiatives and services to assist Queenslanders affected by this terrible crime."

Ms Davis said the theme of this year's campaign was Australia is the land of secrets.

"The reference to secrets refers to the fact that there are a high number of women who experience violence at the hands of men in our communities and more often than not, by men that they know," she said.

"Violence takes many forms, including domestic and family violence and sexual assaults.

"Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that 1 in 3 women in Australia have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and almost 1 in 5 have experienced sexual violence."

For more information about domestic and family violence and sexual violence services, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au

[ENDS] 25 November 2013

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Woman killed by train at Brisbane level crossing

[HappyTrainGuy]

Poor train driver.

[Fares_Fair]

Poor train driver.

My thoughts go out to the driver and his family, as well as to the young woman's family.
Just so tragic all round.

[longboi]

Continued on from this thread

Ok sorry the heat has got to me... deliberate act I was trying to tip toe around was that of deliberately ending ones life... which unfortunately happens with people and trains.

While it might be a nice black and white approach to looking at the incident I can't agree with the emphasis on it being a deliberate act by the individual... we only know what is being reporting in the media... and from this it can be said that there was a moving train and now a deceased person... how it got to this stage is still to be determined.

There are so many reasons why it may not have been a case of a person deliberately breaking the rules, putting themselves in danger to save a few minutes.... and thankfully in Australia, there will be a competent investigation to determine what happened and what can we learn from the unfortunate event.

Drivers and riders die and are seriously injured in incidents where they make deliberate decisions in contravention of legislation... and they also die and are seriously injured when involved in incidents where they make poor decisions without contravening legislation.

I think this is especially true if it's correct that the victim was an Asian woman here on a visa. There certainly seems to be a cultural difference with regards to personal safety around vehicles in general.

I know that from my time working in Busway Operations, recently-arrived Asian students would regularly (unknowingly) put themselves in dangerous situations by crossing the Busway. It happens often at QUT Kelvin Grove (especially around the start of Semester 2, when international students first arrive).
On one occasion, I witnessed a woman cross the Busway at Upper Mt. Gravatt, very close to the northern tunnel portal.
A Clark's bus happened to be coming down the hill into the station at the same time and avoided hitting her by only a split second.
The driver - being in the tunnel - had no ability to see her until she was in front of his bus and the next day was still a bit shaken by the incident.

Perhaps there is a need to address transport safety for recent migrants or temporary residents :conf


Now this is slightly O/T but...

Can I ask why you felt the need to 'tip toe' around the topic of suicide? The idea a suicidal person will be suddenly be urged into killing themselves at the mention of the word is something conjured up by people who have no idea about mental health; journalists.
From yesterday's Sky News video, it is repeated no less than three times that this "wasn't a suicide".

I really feel the avoidance of the topic needs to stop (even if this makes some people uncomfortable). We will never begin to address this social issue if it continues to be taboo.

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Queensland Rail data shows almost 200 near misses across its city network in last financial year

[ozbob]

For information:

Daily News --> Montreal woman strangled after scarf becomes stuck in Metro escalator

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times 19th February 2014 page 7

Six new railway officers to keep commuters safe

[ozbob]

^

Twitter


Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail

New @qpsmedia Railway Squad Outpost being built at Ipswich station for police to patrol Ipswich line. More @qld_times http://ow.ly/tLnO1

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

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@QueenslandRail @QPSmedia @qld_times Is this additional to Redbank or is Redbank going?

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

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail

@Robert_Dow This is an additional resource for the Railway Squad. Outposts at Redbank +on other lines will remain open @QPSmedia @qld_times

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

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow

@QueenslandRail @QPSmedia @qld_times Good! Thanks ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane train stations Altandi, Kuraby and Coopers Plains are hotspots for criminal activity

[ozbob]

Couriermail Quest --> Brisbane train stations Altandi, Kuraby and Coopers Plains are hotspots for criminal activity

The real headline should read " Brisbane train stations safer than the general community " ....

Wankers ...

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Photos of semi-naked women posing at Bald Hills railway station removed from Facebook for violating safety regulations

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Safety lights to be installed after riverside rape

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Two teenage girls have been caught on camera racially abusing and assaulting an elderly indigenous man on a bus

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Women filmed attacking elderly man on Gold Coast bus

[huddo45]

Brisbanetimes --> Women filmed attacking elderly man on Gold Coast bus

This could have ended badly if no one was there to intervene.
I was on a BCC bus a couple of years ago when a young man began acting in a threatening manner towards other passengers. The driver, a no-nonsense type, stopped the bus, grabbed the offender by the scruff of the neck and sat him back in his seat. "Don't move" he said. Two plain clothes policemen duly arrived  and gave the offender a free ride in their unmarked car.

[Otto]

Brisbanetimes --> Women filmed attacking elderly man on Gold Coast bus

An Update ;

http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/crime-court/gold-coast-police-say-they-have-identified-the-two-women-believed-responsible-for-bus-attack-on-elderly-man-at-kirra/story-fnje8bkv-1226840656211

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane ferry prankster fined over Facebook stunt

A prankster who leapt from a moving Brisbane ferry so he could show off on Facebook has been fined $2000.

The man in his 20s jumped from the ferry into the Brisbane River last weekend. The stunt was filmed and the video posted on Facebook.

The man was fined $2040 for failing to take reasonable care for his or her own safety.

But he got off relatively lightly given the maximum penalty for the offence is a $34,000 fine or a year in jail.

Police say the man was lucky not to have been seriously hurt or killed as a result of his reckless and dangerous stunt.

AAP

[huddo45]

Brisbanetimes --> Women filmed attacking elderly man on Gold Coast bus

An Update ;

http://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/news/crime-court/gold-coast-police-say-they-have-identified-the-two-women-believed-responsible-for-bus-attack-on-elderly-man-at-kirra/story-fnje8bkv-1226840656211

Further update, link is the same. The pair of them will be enjoying a sleep-over tonight at Her Majesty's Board and Lodgings in Southport.

[techblitz]

Brisbanetimes --> Bus driver's nose broken over Go Card

A man who allegedly punched a bus driver and an elderly passenger at a Capalaba bus interchange on Saturday evening will face court charged with assault and public nuisance.
Police claim the 27-year-old Birkdale man attacked the driver after an argument over a Go Card, and then assaulted a 70-year-old male passenger who tried to intervene.
The 55-year-old driver suffered a broken nose and possible fracture to the cheek, an injury to his left eye, and bruising to jaw. He was taken to the Redland Bay Hospital.
He is due to front the Wynnum Magistrates Court on Monday

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> A bus driver has facial injuries after he was assaulted by a passenger

[techblitz]

Couriermail --> A bus driver has facial injuries after he was assaulted by a passenger

gold coast drivers seem to be copping a lot....if this was infact over the tender...where does that leave things? Most drivers normally just let a person on if they put up that sort of paper....

[ozbob]

Queensland Times --> Toowoomba pedestrian 'seconds' from being hit by train

[HappyTrainGuy]

Couriermail --> A bus driver has facial injuries after he was assaulted by a passenger

Bloody low life grubs.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Second attack on Gold Coast bus driver in as many weeks

[SurfRail]

^ That bloke has carried me sometime in the last 2 weeks from memory, which brings it rather close to home.

[HappyTrainGuy]

^ That bloke has carried me sometime in the last 2 weeks from memory, which brings it rather close to home.

Did you have one too many beers mate? Hahaha

Jokes aside it's appalling that this is still happening right across the public transport network. The laws should be toughened with bigger fines, bans and possible jail time. It is never okay to assault anyone especially over as something stupid as paying for a fare or topping up a gocard. The way that both incidents seem to have quickly escalated to assaulting the drivers is shocking.

[ozbob]

The Conversation -->Tranquil travel: violence on our public transport networks

... So despite the media hype surrounding violent acts, it is still relatively safe to travel on Australia's public transport networks. But this does not remove the need for more research into the effectiveness of existing strategies and finding new ways of keeping our networks safe.

[James]

The Conversation -->Tranquil travel: violence on our public transport networks

... So despite the media hype surrounding violent acts, it is still relatively safe to travel on Australia's public transport networks. But this does not remove the need for more research into the effectiveness of existing strategies and finding new ways of keeping our networks safe.

This is an issue with everything though. The news reports only the bad things, yet every day hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people complete trips without incident. There are of course the few places you don't want to travel at night (the surrounds of railway stations in Ipswich, Caboolture and Logan being some of the few), but most places in Brisbane are safe - we don't have 'ghettos' like they do in places such as Johannesburg where rape and murder is part of the culture.

[ozbob]

Assistant Minister for Public Transport
Mr Steve Minnikin

Public transport patrols double ahead of Easter

In the lead up to Easter the Queensland Government has doubled the number of Senior Network Officers on the Gold Coast targeting anti-social behaviour on public transport.

Assistant Minister for Public Transport Steve Minnikin said the strengthened presence on the Gold Coast will work to stamp out fare evasion and unacceptable behaviour.

"We are committed to creating a safer and better public transport network on the Gold Coast," Mr Minnikin said.

"As we head into the Easter weekend up to 10 officers on average will be patrolling Gold Coast buses on each deployment, keeping our promise to revitalise frontline services.

"Last week 41 infringement notices and warnings were issued for fare evasion and anti-social behaviour on the Gold Coast.

"There is no excuse for people behaving badly or dodging the system and not paying the correct fare.

"If you do the wrong thing these holidays, there's a greater chance you will get caught.

"Already we have 44 officers on the force putting us on track to meet our target of 56 officers by July."

Mr Minnikin reminded customers travelling by public transport over Easter to check for changes to bus and train timetables due to public holiday arrangements.

"Queensland Rail trains and Surfside buses will operate a Sunday timetable on Good Friday (18 April), Easter Sunday (20 April) and Easter Monday (21 April), and a normal timetable on Saturday (19 April)," he said.

"The Gold Coast will come alive with events over the Easter weekend, and passengers are encouraged to leave the car at home, avoid the hassles of driving and parking, and hop on a bus or train to enjoy the festivities.

"We are expecting an increase in people catching public transport over the holiday period, so please be courteous and be mindful of your fellow passengers.

"Surfside buses will also run to a Sunday timetable on ANZAC Day, Friday, 25 April."

For more information on public transport, visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30, anytime.

[ENDS] 17 April 2014