Safety and security issues, articles, discussion.

[ozbob]

^

Canstar Blue

City Trains Reviewed >> http://www.canstarblue.com.au/travel/city-trains/

Booked for an interview 12.20pm on this on 4BC Afternoons.

Thanks for the opportunity Clare and 4BC.

Look forward to the obvious deficiency with the fare structure being sorted ...

[ozbob]

For your interest ..

Wow what an idiot! pic.twitter.com/ynb79sJ5Gz

— David Lovett (@dlovett32) July 27, 2015

[Arnz]

I've noticed an archived job post from QR dated June 2015 advertising for AOs (Authorised Officers).  Looks like QR's Transit Officers (the Grey shirt officers) won't be phased anytime soon, even though they are 3rd in the pecking order  (and can only do revenue protection with the presence of TL's SNOs and/or the railway police squad). 

There are basically 4 group of officers (including the G:Link Transit officers) doing the one job.

[SurfRail]

The only ones who do it competently are the G:Link ones, because of the nature of the system - you actually do run into them regularly, and they (in my experience) have never been overbearing or anything other than helpful where people needed direction.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Rail ‏@QueenslandRail  3m
Today we launch our new rail safety campaign #railwaysarenotplaygrounds http://ow.ly/QGi8U  @TrackSAFE #RSW2015

[ozbob]

Media Release
Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Jackie Trad

Rail safety campaign aims to shock the public into safer habits around the railways

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad launched Rail Safety Week yesterday unveiling Queensland Rail's new confronting safety campaign 'Railways are not playgrounds'.

Ms Trad said the campaign had been produced with double amputee and rail accident survivor David Williams and targeted risky behaviour on the rail network by warning against the many dangers including overhead powerlines which carry 25,000 volts – 100 times more powerful than the domestic supply.

"I am incredibly frustrated at the number of people treating the rail network like a child's playground, risking their lives and the lives of others," Ms Trad said.

"Queensland Rail recently reported a decrease in the number of people trespassing on the rail network, however alarmingly the number of serious injuries resulting from these occurrences has increased.

"Already this year, two people have received an electric shock and serious injuries after coming into contact with the overhead wires. This follows a fatality late last year after a man was electrocuted when graffiting.

"There is simply no reason why anyone should be in close contact with the overhead lines and I am pleased to launch this new campaign which raises awareness of the hidden dangers of illegal trespassing.

"Powerlines are deadly and you do not even have to come in contact with the overhead line for the power to arc and shock you."

Electric shock survivor David Williams said he agreed to take part in the campaign in the hope that his powerful story would save the lives of others.

"I was taking a shortcut with mates on a rail overpass near Manly station in 2000 and I fell off through the overheads and the current arced through me causing horrendous injuries," Mr Williams said.

"I received deep burns and scaring to my body after my clothes caught on fire and I immediately had one leg amputated and another a couple of years later," Mr Williams said.

"The overhead powerlines bite hard and they bite forever.  It has taken more than ten years of rehabilitation to get to the point I can live a relatively normal life.

"There's no second chance and there is no taking it back.  The consequences of not thinking before I acted have scarred me forever physically and emotionally, and they have also deeply affected my family, friends, attending emergency services and the people who treated me.

"I thought nothing could hurt me as a teenager, but the warning signs are there for a reason."

Ms Trad urged people not to make a night out with friends, a night to forget.

"Trespassing, running a level crossing or even just running for a train; the consequences can be devastating," she said.

"I'm proud to support this campaign and hope that we can raise awareness and even save lives by launching a conversation on rail safety (#railwaysarenotplaygrounds)."

National Rail Safety Week runs from 10 – 16 August.

Watch David's story at queenslandrail.com.au/railwaysarenotplaygrounds

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Queensland Rail releases shocking footage of empty pram rolling into path of moving freight train

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Slips, trips, falls and more: QR urges passengers to slow down

[ozbob]

FYI

#ICYMI a bus carrying 60 kids in Germany became stuck on a train track. The driver evacuated the bus just in time.
https://t.co/E9rm3r9M1y

— ABC News (@abcnews) September 17, 2015

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> 'Sorry we're not opening the doors until the next station'

[James]

Couriermail --> 'Sorry we're not opening the doors until the next station'

Zero (C)harm strikes again?

[petey3801]

There are a number of things that don't add up with the story that was posted on Facebook, so it will be very interesting to see (if made public) the results of the investigation.

What I have heard from a few others is that the train was mid section by the time the crews were fully informed about what had happened. No point stopping the train until South Brisbane if that was the case. Also, very difficult to imagine a driver would depart a station with an active PEI that was activated before the wheels were rolling. If the first door/carriage was off the platform before it was activated, likely not to stop til the next station as the train would be, at minimum, halfway off the platform by the time the train had stopped.

The real message that needs to be sent out is to be ready to depart the train as soon as it arrives at the station and the doors open, don't faff around (like many do!), always keep hold of small children when around a railway (nowhere near enough parents adhere to this advice) and when the Doors Closing announcement sounds, stand clear! Or, in this situation, wave your arms and call out to the guard and let them know something is wrong as soon as you hear the doors closing message!

[BrizCommuter]

...Sounds like unorganised parents.

Once saw a toddler wonder off a Jubilee Line train in London whilst the mother paid no attention. Doors then closed, and even then passengers had to inform the mum of what had just happened. Suddenly followed by "my baby, my baby...". FFS.

[James]

The real message that needs to be sent out is to be ready to depart the train as soon as it arrives at the station and the doors open, don't faff around (like many do!), always keep hold of small children when around a railway (nowhere near enough parents adhere to this advice) and when the Doors Closing announcement sounds, stand clear! Or, in this situation, wave your arms and call out to the guard and let them know something is wrong as soon as you hear the doors closing message!

Common sense is extremely uncommon. People have an alarming tendency to faff around on PT when it comes to getting off.

Unless she was on an EMU which hadn't been upgraded from the 'jaws of death' doors, she could have very easily stood in front of the doors (or put a similar object) and stopped them from closing.

[HappyTrainGuy]

The real message that needs to be sent out is to be ready to depart the train as soon as it arrives at the station and the doors open, don't faff around (like many do!), always keep hold of small children when around a railway (nowhere near enough parents adhere to this advice) and when the Doors Closing announcement sounds, stand clear! Or, in this situation, wave your arms and call out to the guard and let them know something is wrong as soon as you hear the doors closing message!

Common sense is extremely uncommon. People have an alarming tendency to faff around on PT when it comes to getting off.

Unless she was on an EMU which hadn't been upgraded from the 'jaws of death' doors, she could have very easily stood in front of the doors (or put a similar object) and stopped them from closing.

Jaws of death?? You would have loved them when the EMUs were first getting rolled out. They are tame compared to back then. When they closed bloody hell they closed.

[ozbob]

Media Release
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Jo-Ann Miller

Palaszczuk Govt boost to Railway Squad to keep trains commuters safe

The Palaszczuk Government will give a boost to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) Railway Squad with the addition of new CCTV technology and an extra eight officers to patrol Queensland Rail (QR) services across the south-east.

Police Minister Jo-Ann Miller said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to keeping Queenslanders safe and the additional officers would further enhance passenger safety on the rail network.

"I am pleased to announce today an additional eight police officers for the Railway Squad, which will boost its operational strength from 70 to 78 officers next year," Minister Miller said.

"As well, a trial of new tablet technology will mean officers will be able to live stream footage from CCTV cameras at selected stations.

"This financial year, QR installed an extra 500 CCTV cameras across the City network, and this tablet technology will assist the Railway Squad to monitor the network and respond to incidents even when they're out on patrol.

"The Railway Squad targets anti-social behaviour on the QR network specifically and their commitment to passenger safety and security has seen a significant reduction in serious crime across the city network.

"Through their proactive approach, police-recorded assaults on the QR network have continued their downward trend, dropping 16.5% over the past financial year.

"Queensland Rail and Queensland Police are focussed on providing a network where people feel safe and it is great to see such outstanding results."

Minister Miller said the new officers and improved technology would ensure Queensland Rail continued its record as Australia's safest rail network as the network continued to expand.

"The additional officers and use of tablet technology will enhance safety through a visible and active police presence and ensure we continue to provide the appropriate level of security across the network, with the opening of the Moreton Bay Rail Link mid next year," Minister Miller said.

"Queensland Rail was recently rated the safest metropolitan railway network in Australia by independent research agency Canstar Blue.

"It was the only Australian rail operator to receive five stars for safety, based on the satisfaction of its customers.

"The additional officers will work in partnership with a range of other security personnel operating on the Queensland Rail network, including Authorised Officers, private security guards, Senior Network Officers and mobile dog patrols.

"These personnel are in addition to emergency help phones and almost 9000 CCTV cameras, including real-time CCTV and a dedicated 24-hour security monitoring facility."

Police reported assaults on the Queensland Rail network have reduced by 16.5 percent, from 151 assaults in 2013/14 to 126 in 2014/15.

Serious crime on the City Network remains low in the context of the general community, with less than three police recorded assaults for every million passenger journeys.

From these incidents, serious injuries are not common and in many cases those involved are known to each other.

Queensland Rail has a partnership with Crime Stoppers and encourages customers to report any information on 1800 333 000.

Breakdown of police reported assault data by station

Location

Number of police recorded assaults (2014/15 FY)

Woodridge

7

Beenleigh

6

Fortitude Valley

5

Central

5

Park Road

5

Caboolture

4

Morayfield

4

Roma Street

4

Darra

4

Petrie

3
        

[ozbob]

7 Local News Sunshine Coast

Queensland Rail has released disturbing vision of a woman playing chicken with a train at Landsborough.

> https://www.facebook.com/7newssc/videos/973512649372836/

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> 5000 new CCTV cameras for rail network

[red dragin]

Brisbanetimes --> 5000 new CCTV cameras for rail network

I wonder how many of these "5000" new camera's are fitted as standard equipment to the NGR sets? Say 4 per carriage, 6 carriages, plus a cab camera and each end comes to 1,976 camera's alone. Then there are the new stabling yards.

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Queensland to join ONRSR

The CEO of the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) says Queensland will soon become part of the national safety regulation system.

Queensland will be the final state to join the ONRSR, after Western Australia, which came into the fold on November 2, 2015.

"Queensland have announced they are joining ONRSR," the regulator's CEO, Sue McCarrey, told AusRAIL on Thursday.

"I have received a letter just earlier this week from the deputy premier and minister for transport in Queensland [Jackie Trad], saying she would like us to start that process, of integrating Queensland into the national system.

"So within 18 months, we should see a fully national rail safety regulator, right across Australia."

Queensland is the final participant in the National Rail Safety Regulation and Investigation Scheme ...

[techblitz]

from facebook this morning

Dear Translink. Perhaps you could investigate the negligence of your train staff when it comes to closing the doors at stations? Once again I've had the horror to witness an elderly person get struck by the train doors while trying to step down from the train to the station.

This incident occurred at Keperra Station at approximately 4:26pm, on the Ferny Grove bound train. An elderly lady was trying to depart the train from the front-most door of the train, had placed her bags onto the platform and was starting to lower herself down the considerable drop from the train to platform (i would estimate at least 20cm) when the conductor blew their whistle.

At this time a large man by the door moved to protect the elderly lady and block the doors just as the doors violently slammed shut on them both, throwing both persons back into the train. This was an old model train, and the doors do slam shut with considerable force. The train then departed the station, leaving the elderly lady quite shaken, and and possibly with some bruises or pain, and her bags unattended on the station platform.

This isn't the first time I've witnessed this, it appears it is becoming a semi-common sight, as train staff fail to confirm that all train doors are clear before closing them. It seems apparent to me that either more time is needed to be allowed for trains at stopped at stations, or more training is needed for the train staff, as it is simply unacceptable that people, the elderly especially, are being hurt or worse, by the careless actions of train staff that should be looking out for their well-being.

luckily this is being investigated....how much do these train guards get payed again? Ive also witnessed some close calls of guards blowing the whistle when people are still deboarding...but thakfully nothing as serious as this....

[ozbob]

It should be on video

Sent from my E2353 using Tapatalk

[red dragin]

from facebook this morning

Dear Translink. Perhaps you could investigate the negligence of your train staff when it comes to closing the doors at stations? Once again I've had the horror to witness an elderly person get struck by the train doors while trying to step down from the train to the station.

This incident occurred at Keperra Station at approximately 4:26pm, on the Ferny Grove bound train. An elderly lady was trying to depart the train from the front-most door of the train, had placed her bags onto the platform and was starting to lower herself down the considerable drop from the train to platform (i would estimate at least 20cm) when the conductor blew their whistle.

At this time a large man by the door moved to protect the elderly lady and block the doors just as the doors violently slammed shut on them both, throwing both persons back into the train. This was an old model train, and the doors do slam shut with considerable force. The train then departed the station, leaving the elderly lady quite shaken, and and possibly with some bruises or pain, and her bags unattended on the station platform.

This isn't the first time I've witnessed this, it appears it is becoming a semi-common sight, as train staff fail to confirm that all train doors are clear before closing them. It seems apparent to me that either more time is needed to be allowed for trains at stopped at stations, or more training is needed for the train staff, as it is simply unacceptable that people, the elderly especially, are being hurt or worse, by the careless actions of train staff that should be looking out for their well-being.

luckily this is being investigated....how much do these train guards get payed again? Ive also witnessed some close calls of guards blowing the whistle when people are still deboarding...but thakfully nothing as serious as this....

I was accumulating additional trips early this week and saw something similar. The guard and platform attendant discussed if they should blow their whistle to hurry people up who where taking their sweet time boarding on a section of raised platform. It sure got them moving.

Perhaps this 'technique' has become a bit too habitual. It is certainly a repetitive role, which is where mistakes can creep in.

Hat's off to the person who jumped into the path of the doors to protect her

[James]

Without trying to sound like I'm victim blaming - if you are elderly and carrying bags off the train, wouldn't you try and seat yourself near the guard (i.e. middle of the train) for the purpose of assistance and being easily visible?

I have a preference for travelling in the front car, but late at night or if I'm travelling into less-than-safe areas, I'll stick to the third/fourth car for proximity to the guard and my own safety.

[ozbob]

I think location in many cases probably reflects where the passenger entered the station, and with a lot of bags probably could not be bothered moving along the platform.

Could have hit the emergency comm button ...

[HappyTrainGuy]

Was he trying to tackle the door from closing?? All you have to do is plant your foot at the bottom. And they close gracefully now compared to back in the day. Now those things would send you flying hahaha. As bob pointed out there are emergency intercoms right next to the door. That's what they are there for.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Cane train derails after hitting fishing boat on tracks in Cairns

[red dragin]

Had an 260 series SMU on my morning service (normally an EMU or early IMU).

There was an automated announcement when approaching Bowen Hills to the effect of "see something suspicious, report to PoliceLink or staff, in the event of an incident call 000".

I've not heard this before, has anyone else?

[STB]

Had an 260 series SMU on my morning service (normally an EMU or early IMU).

There was an automated announcement when approaching Bowen Hills to the effect of "see something suspicious, report to PoliceLink or staff, in the event of an incident call 000".

I've not heard this before, has anyone else?

Yes, it's been around for quite a while.  I remember hearing it several months ago.

[red dragin]

^ Thanks. Seemed like it was the first time a few people had heard it on our train, there was a noticeable hush when it played.

[bcasey]

I hear a similar automated message about reporting suspicious behaviour to the authorities at the Roma Street Busway stop fairly regularly, but never heard it on a train.

[ozbob]

I have heard on trains before.  Number of times.  It might be being pushed again for Christmas.

[petey3801]

Urgh, more pointless rubbish announcements to listen to.

[verbatim9]

Had an 260 series SMU on my morning service (normally an EMU or early IMU).

There was an automated announcement when approaching Bowen Hills to the effect of "see something suspicious, report to PoliceLink or staff, in the event of an incident call 000".

I've not heard this before, has anyone else?

Yes, it's been around for quite a while.  I remember hearing it several months ago.

I am happy to hear those announcements Keeps people aware and vigilant

[ezekial]

I remember first hearing it during the G20 on the Ipswich line approaching Milton station (trains stopped there during G20 for Translink officers and police to walk through) and it made sense at the time, but yes it is quite intimidating for little old Brisbane when you hear it now and then.

[ozbob]

For interest:

A train collided with a truck that ran a red light in the Czech Republic. No injuries were reported.
https://t.co/xaNtsCfHMj

— ABC News (@abcnews) December 13, 2015

[ozbob]

A cyclist is caught on Polish Railway surveillance cameras as he circumvents a lowered barrier at a railway crossing and is hit by an approaching high-speed train.

>> http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/video-news/video-world-news/cyclist-is-hit-by-train-and-survives-7089262.html

[ozbob]

Twitter

Queensland Ambulance ‏@QldAmbulance 1h

QAS are attending a train derailment approx 20km from #Julia Creek. 3 patients are being treated for minor injuries.

[ozbob]

^
http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/mountisa/2015/12/27/pspa-act-declaration-following-freight-train-derailment-north-julia-creek/

PSPA Act declaration following freight train derailment north of Julia Creek
QPS Media on Dec 27, 2015 @ 1:09pm   

A freight train transporting approximately 200,000 litres of sulfuric acid derailed around 10.20am this morning approximately 20kms east of Julia Creek.

Police have declared an emergent situation under the Public Safety Preservation Act to assist emergency services manage the scene, which includes minor leakage of sulfuric acid and spillage of diesel fuel.

The emergency declaration, which was enacted at 11.35am, covers a two kilometre exclusion zone around the crash site.

The Flinders Highway is closed in both directions between Julia Creek and Richmond.

The locomotion is on its side and all 26 carriages have derailed. It is believed the three men on the train sustained minor injuries and have been transported to hospital.

It is anticipated that the exclusion zone will be in place until at least late this afternoon.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Freight train carrying dangerous acid derails near Julia Creek

Derailment possibly the result of flood damaged track ..