Article: Stuck on a train with no toilet - what are you supposed to do?

[ozbob]

No,  Queensland Rail staff themselves informed me that they wanted to have some local plumbers at Nambour to fix issues locally where able.

Don't shoot the messenger, shoot QR ..

[HappyTrainGuy]

Interesting. I still think they'd be sent back to Mayne rather than having contractors on call for what is a limited amount of rollingstock. All comes down to the $$$.

[ozbob]

Interesting. I still think they'd be sent back to Mayne rather than having contractors on call. All comes down to the $$$.

Yes, that is what is happening.  Maybe they looked into it and it was too difficult.  Obviously any local contractors would have to be trained (certified?) to work on the units, and the number of units overnight there is small, so probably not cost effective.

[HappyTrainGuy]

Yep, if regular a lot of certifications needed otherwise you have to get another certified person to tag along. Then there's also having spare parts for different rollingstock and particular related tools readily available at Nambour to fix any possible issues that might arrise. Quite a added expense when you think of the small result it would provide compared to sending it back to Brisbane.

[Old Northern Road]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Cattle class to the Coast ... and they do it day after day

Cattle class to the Coast ... and they do it day after day
Kathy Sundstrom 17th Jan 2013 5:43 AM

WAKING up at 4.44am to get to work is an absurd idea.

But it is around this time that many Sunshine Coast commuters who catch the 6.14am train from Nambour to get to work in Brisbane need to get up.

With well-paid, full-time work on the Sunshine Coast a luxury few enjoy, the number of commuters continues to increase.

Queensland Rail estimates about 1000 people are making the trip on the train each day.

Many more have ditched the train and would prefer to drive rather than deal with the prospect of delays, rail buses and no sitting room, never mind the lack of toilets.

I joined the 6.14am journey yesterday to experience first-hand their daily commute.

Thankfully I managed to score the last available car park at Nambour, or else I would have had to add a minimum of $7 for car parking on top of the $30.16 it would cost me using a Go Card to get to Brisbane.

That fare would increase to $43.80 if I didn't have the card - almost enough to fill the tank of my car and drive to Brisbane and back twice.

Public transport is definitely no longer cheap, particularly travelling as a family.

Palmwoods dad Jeff Addison has been making the journey to Brisbane for 12 years.

In that time, he has watched the level of service from the Sunshine Coast decline while the cost increases.

Calls to address it appear to be heard by politicians only when they are in Opposition.

Mr Addison and Rail Back on Track have tried to keep the poor rail service on the government's agenda.

He keeps logs detailing train delays and the inadequacy of toilets.

>> VANDALS TO BLAME FOR DUD TOILETS

It is not a job he likes doing, but it is the only way he can prove that his frustration is not personal but based on recorded fact.

I can't help but feel for Queensland Rail staff, as does Mr Addison. They are not to blame for late trains, lack of toilets and inadequate service, but often they have to front the anger.

The first thing I noticed on boarding the train was that the toilet on my carriage was taped and locked up with an out-of-order sign on it.

This could create a problem, as I did not have time before racing to Nambour to flush out my breakfast and cup of coffee.

At Landsborough, we were joined by several other "regular" commuters. There was David and Deborah and a handful of others who have become friends on the long journey.

Like Mr Addison, they make the sacrifice of often leaving in the dark and getting home in the dark to support their families.

"I took a 40% pay cut moving from Sydney to Brisbane and I would have to do that again to get a job on the Sunshine Coast," David said.

They're used to seeing distressed people, particularly the elderly, looking for a toilet. Mr Addison said there is another toilet on the train,   which may be open, but to get there you have to get off the carriage and run at least three carriages down to hop on board again. Not possible on a 30-second station stop.

With most train intervals less than a minute, this is not a viable option, particularly if you find it is also out-of-order.

Acting on Queensland Rail's recommendation that passengers request a "comfort stop" won't work. To get to the guard, I would have to squeeze through the people packed on the train, push the emergency "call for guard'' signal and then announce "I need the loo".

The guard would then have to stop a train full of people anxious to get to work on time while waiting for me to relieve myself.

There are many issues commuters would like addressed, such as the toilets, the duplication of the railway line and cheaper fares.

But the main issue is length of time. An express service between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, such as is offered on the Gold Coast from Beenleigh, could cut 30 minutes from the journey.

Anything that can be done to make the two-hour journey shorter would be a welcome relief.

What the hell are they talking about? Sunshine Coast trains actually have a faster average speed south of Caboolture (60km/h) than the Gold Cost trains have north of Beenleigh (52km/h).

I can't believe someone who chooses to live 100km away from where they work would complain that their trip takes too long. They should be grateful that they have a rail service at all. Toowoomba doesn't have a rail service and it's a much bigger town than Palmwoods. People who use the Cleveland line should be the ones complaining.

[Old Northern Road]

Heading home on the Nambour train ...

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/c8pw2w8ro7rikbc/VcFY9kpqP3

Very misleading referring to that as a Nambour train as around 90% of those people would be Caboolture line passengers.

I tend to trust Fares_Fair's assessment of these things.  He knows what he is talking about.

Mate I used to catch the train from Petrie and I never noticed any standees north of Petrie and there certainly wouldn't be any north of Caboolture. Sunshine Coast commuters will only ever have to stand during the outbound trip while Caboolture line passengers (and passengers on all the other suburban lines) often have to stand during both the inbound and outbound trips.

Lack of toilets is a valid complaint but complaining about overcrowding on what must be one of the least busy train lines on the planet is absolutely insane. The Cairns-Kuranda line probably gets higher patronage on its busier days.

[Arnz]

Heading home on the Nambour train ...

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/c8pw2w8ro7rikbc/VcFY9kpqP3

Very misleading referring to that as a Nambour train as around 90% of those people would be Caboolture line passengers.

I tend to trust Fares_Fair's assessment of these things.  He knows what he is talking about.

Mate I used to catch the train from Petrie and I never noticed any standees north of Petrie and there certainly wouldn't be any north of Caboolture. Sunshine Coast commuters will only ever have to stand during the outbound trip while Caboolture line passengers (and passengers on all the other suburban lines) often have to stand during both the inbound and outbound trips.

Lack of toilets is a valid complaint but complaining about overcrowding on what must be one of the least busy train lines on the planet is absolutely insane. The Cairns-Kuranda line probably gets higher patronage on its busier days.

Things have changed since you've caught the train back in the day.  Standees north of Petrie during afternoon peak are more common than you think (and that's not just Nambour trains, some Caboolture trains too).

Also, the 2008/2009 snapshot of the 2011 Q3 Passenger Loading report had at least 1 morning peak train per reporting period up to 2011 reported with standees North of Caboolture (Nambour-only statistics), believe it or not.  This has since been rectified by changing those units from a 3-car to a 6-car IMU.   2011 Q3 inbound had 831 passengers, whilst 2012 Q1 inbound had 959 passengers.

On a related note, but out of peak, the Sunday afternoon Gympie North to Brisbane train is regularly reported to get standees south of Nambour (5-car ICE).  It is also the only train from Gympie on a Sunday.

Even though the QR loading report each year is only a snapshot of the loads on the day, I can assure you that the ex-Gympie North train in the morning peak inbound (during School semesters) does carry standing loads north of Caboolture from Nambour to Beerwah due to School Students, and even south of Beerwah there are at least a few standees at the door, and thats taking into consideration the "I'm not sitting in a backward seat" behavior of commuters on every line (It may not be cram conditions due to layout of the ICE, but there are standees near most doors).

[Stillwater]

Seems story has disappeared from the Sunshine Coast Daily site:

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters

The Sunshine Coast Daily-8 hours ago

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and maintenance will be done ...

[ozbob]

Seems story has disappeared from the Sunshine Coast Daily site:

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters

The Sunshine Coast Daily-8 hours ago

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and maintenance will be done ...

SCD tweeted a link to the article and after a while the article disappeared from their web site.  Either a broken link, or perhaps they were too early in publishing it as an embargo is mentioned in the article ... nothing heard though  ..

Twitter

12h Sunshine Coast Daily  Daily@the_daily

Improvements may finally come for rail commuters http://bit.ly/XqcFHo

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

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters
20th Jan 2013 1:55 PM

THE State Government has unveiled a raft of emergency measures to ensure rail commuters between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane have access to toilets.

After a week of sustained pressure from rail travellers and the Sunshine Coast Daily, Transport Minister Scott Emerson yesterday released details of a multi-pronged plan which will be put in place from today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and maintenance will be done overnight.

It follows increasing outrage over the poor service provided to Sunshine Coast rail travellers, particularly early morning commuters who are often forced to do the trip without toilet facilities.

Until yesterday's announcement, the best Queensland Rail could do for the estimated 1000 commuters who made the trip each day was introduce a quick toilet stop at Caboolture.

The State Government has blamed vandalism for much of the problem.

On Monday, three QR staff were seen visiting several Coast rail stations and ensuring travellers of the quality of the service - a move QR said was part of its normal operations.

On Saturday, only three of 10 Coast politicians approached by the Daily - Mal Brough, Mark McArdle and Andrew Powell - agreed to ride the trains to see the situation first-hand.

But Mr Emerson said the steps he unveiled to the Daily yesterday would see immediate improvements to toilet facilities.

It was reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on the train network, particularly on longer services, he said.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before, I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available," he said.

"From Monday, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed.

"Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets."

Mr Emerson said he would also look at having maintenance done on the Coast, directing QR to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities," he said.

But the minister's good news did not extend to major infrastructure works.

While he admitted the Coast line had "other issues", duplicating the line was still not on the table.

"These measures are at least a good starting point," he said.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

Mr Emerson's announcement was strictly embargoed, meaning the Daily could not obtain comment from rail campaigners until today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line.

[ozbob]

... Mr Emerson's announcement was strictly embargoed, meaning the Daily could not obtain comment from rail campaigners until today ...

All this begs the question, why would anyone want to 'embargo' a statement on toilets, particularly what is basically good news?

Just goes to show the level of spin and media manipulation practised these days by the armies of spin doctors on George  ...  just confirms in my mind what a waste of money and resources they all are. 

[ozbob]

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Tackling toilet troubles

New measures being introduced today will see improvements to toilet facilities for passengers on the Sunshine Coast train line.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said it is reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on our train network, particularly on longer services.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available," Mr Emerson said.

"From today, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed.

"Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets.

"I have also directed Queensland Rail to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie as currently there is no maintenance depot at these stations.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities."

Mr Emerson said while the Sunshine Coast line does have other issues including limited infrastructure capacity these measures are at least a good starting point.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

[ENDS] 21 January 2013

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

21 January 2013

Re: Wee matters ...

Greetings,

Seems there was a false start.  However, we are grateful for the action concerning toilet issues on the Sunshine Coast Line.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Scott Emerson

Tackling toilet troubles

New measures being introduced today will see improvements to toilet facilities for passengers on the Sunshine Coast train line.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said it is reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on our train network, particularly on longer services.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available," Mr Emerson said.

"From today, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed.

"Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets.

"I have also directed Queensland Rail to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie as currently there is no maintenance depot at these stations.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities."

Mr Emerson said while the Sunshine Coast line does have other issues including limited infrastructure capacity these measures are at least a good starting point.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

[ENDS] 21 January 2013

Best wishes
Robert

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

Sent to all outlets:

20th January 2013

Wee matters ...

Greetings,

Some good news on the toilet issues with respect to the Sunshine Coast Line trains.

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/toilets-way-coast-rail-commuters/1723870/

This issue has been on and off the agenda for years.  However we welcome the improvements announced by the Minister for Transport Mr Emerson, and thank Queensland Rail for addressing the issue.

Best wishes
Robert

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

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters

Toilets on the way for Coast rail commuters
20th Jan 2013 1:55 PM

THE State Government has unveiled a raft of emergency measures to ensure rail commuters between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane have access to toilets.

After a week of sustained pressure from rail travellers and the Sunshine Coast Daily, Transport Minister Scott Emerson yesterday released details of a multi-pronged plan which will be put in place from today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and maintenance will be done overnight.

It follows increasing outrage over the poor service provided to Sunshine Coast rail travellers, particularly early morning commuters who are often forced to do the trip without toilet facilities.

Until yesterday's announcement, the best Queensland Rail could do for the estimated 1000 commuters who made the trip each day was introduce a quick toilet stop at Caboolture.

The State Government has blamed vandalism for much of the problem.

On Monday, three QR staff were seen visiting several Coast rail stations and ensuring travellers of the quality of the service - a move QR said was part of its normal operations.

On Saturday, only three of 10 Coast politicians approached by the Daily - Mal Brough, Mark McArdle and Andrew Powell - agreed to ride the trains to see the situation first-hand.

But Mr Emerson said the steps he unveiled to the Daily yesterday would see immediate improvements to toilet facilities.

It was reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on the train network, particularly on longer services, he said.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before, I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available," he said.

"From Monday, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed.

"Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets."

Mr Emerson said he would also look at having maintenance done on the Coast, directing QR to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities," he said.

But the minister's good news did not extend to major infrastructure works.

While he admitted the Coast line had "other issues", duplicating the line was still not on the table.

"These measures are at least a good starting point," he said.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

Mr Emerson's announcement was strictly embargoed, meaning the Daily could not obtain comment from rail campaigners until today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line.

[Stillwater]

Well, the announcement should be welcomed and the Minister thanked.  But why should this issue be resolved after ministerial (office) intervention?  Why is it that the Minister must instruct QR to look at having mobile service equipment available at Nambour and Gympie to repair and maintain toilets on trains.  Couldn't QR have come up with this solution of its own accord?  Why does the political imperative drive the process rather than internal working and management within QR? 

QR have received fairly constant feedback on toilet inadequacy on SCL trains through the CRG process.  What does this say for the effectiveness of that process?  If we were in Victoria or NSW, the announcement about the fixing of faulty toilets on trains would be made by the maintenance manager of the relevant rail authority.  Why are these things managed at a Ministerial level?  What does this say about the way QR operates and its relationship with government?

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily click here!

A wee win for commuters as govt moves on train toilets

A wee win for commuters as govt moves on train toilets
21st Jan 2013 5:47 AM

THE State Government has unveiled a raft of emergency measures to ensure rail commuters between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane have access to toilets.

After a week of sustained pressure from rail travellers and the Daily, Transport Minister Scott Emerson yesterday released details of a multi-pronged plan which will be put in place today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and necessary maintenance of toilets will be done overnight.

It follows increasing outrage over the poor service provided to Coast rail travellers, particularly early morning commuters who are often forced to do the trip without toilet facilities.

Until yesterday's announcement, the best Queensland Rail could do for the estimated 1000 commuters who make the trip each day was introduce a quick toilet stop at Caboolture.

The State Government has blamed vandalism for much of the problems.

On Monday, three QR staff were seen visiting several Coast rail stations and ensuring travellers on the quality of the service - a move QR said was part of its normal operations.

On Saturday, only three of 10 Coast politicians approached by the Daily - Mal Brough, Mark McArdle and Andrew Powell - agreed to ride the trains to see the situation first-hand.

But Mr Emerson said the steps he unveiled to the Daily yesterday would see immediate improvements.

It was reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on the train network, particularly on longer services, he said.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before, I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available.

"From Monday, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed. Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets."

Mr Emerson said he would also look at having maintenance done on the Coast, directing QR to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities," he said.

But the minister's good news didn't extend to major infrastructure works.

While he admitted the Coast line had "other issues", duplication was still not on the table.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

The Minister's announcement was strictly embargoed, meaning the Daily could not obtain comment from rail campaigners until today.

Repairs and maintenance will be carried overnight.

[SurfRail]

Enough of this garbage.  They can't afford not to fix the line given its relevance to the national freight network and local population.  Penny wise, pound foolish. 

They mustn't have 2 neurons to rub together.

[ozbob]

Enough of this garbage.  They can't afford not to fix the line given its relevance to the national freight network and local population.  Penny wise, pound foolish. 

They mustn't have 2 neurons to rub together.

Yes, clearly they don't have a clue.  One term mob.  Be real easy to develop policy to send them all packing ...  tide is turning ...

[mufreight]

The realignment and duplication betweem Beerburrum and Nambour not only affects commuters but freight services for the entire north of the state and the ability to operate more and longer freight services efficently between Brisbane and Rockhampton would remove many B Doubles ( B tripples are in the process of being approved) off the Bruce Highway making that road safer for Mr average moterists and by making rail more competitive with road restrain increasing freight costs to the north.
It is not a case of the State being broke as a consequence of the previous government but a case of the state can not afford not to provide this infrastructure even if it needs to borrow all of the money required to construct it.
The NCL is part of the National Freight Rail Network so some Federal funding would be avaliabe.
Time for Emmerson and Newman to face some facts one being that Governments are elected to provide infrastructure and services and if the do not then there is always the next election and the mad Katters Party.

[SurfRail]

It is classic short-termism.  Can't see beyond their own political event horizon, so it becomes somebody else's problem.

[somebody]

Well, the announcement should be welcomed and the Minister thanked.  But why should this issue be resolved after ministerial (office) intervention?  Why is it that the Minister must instruct QR to look at having mobile service equipment available at Nambour and Gympie to repair and maintain toilets on trains.  Couldn't QR have come up with this solution of its own accord?  Why does the political imperative drive the process rather than internal working and management within QR? 

QR have received fairly constant feedback on toilet inadequacy on SCL trains through the CRG process.  What does this say for the effectiveness of that process?  If we were in Victoria or NSW, the announcement about the fixing of faulty toilets on trains would be made by the maintenance manager of the relevant rail authority.  Why are these things managed at a Ministerial level?  What does this say about the way QR operates and its relationship with government?

Remind me what state this is again?

I actually think that QR are even worse than Cityrail, which is not easy.  I'm not sure what operator in the world I rank behind them, at least in the sense of making the most of what they have.

[ozbob]

There seems to be a disconnect between the CRGs and what actually happens.

I have raised the issue of the Ipswich track closures with Queensland Rail in the sense that it would have been sensible to have called an Ipswich line CRG meeting to explain what was going on with all the additional track closures, particularly in view of the previous commitments that closures would be few and notified well in advance.  That way at least an informed user group would have been out in the community. No, it was slipped to the media in the shadows of Christmas, and punters left to contemplate even more closures be jigged around with.

I think I need some bottled water ...   

[colinw]

Providing a toilet on a train requires a week long media storm and a ministerial announcement with embargo?

Where Else But Queensland?

I think I'm going to start wearing a conical hat and telling people I'm Elbonian.

[ozbob]

Here Colin, you need one too -->

[mufreight]

There seems to be a disconnect between the CRGs and what actually happens.

I have raised the issue of the Ipswich track closures with Queensland Rail in the sense that it would have been sensible to have called an Ipswich line CRG meeting to explain what was going on with all the additional track closures, particularly in view of the previous commitments that closures would be few and notified well in advance.  That way at least an informed user group would have been out in the community. No, it was slipped to the media in the shadows of Christmas, and punters left to contemplate even more closures be jigged around with.

I think I need some bottled water ...   

I need a complimentary bottle of scotch to go with the water.   

[colinw]

I'm with mufreight. A nice bottle of single malt would help make sense of things.

[petey3801]

I honestly don't think even that would help make sense of things in this state...

[Golliwog]

I honestly don't think even that would help make sense of things in this state...

Clearly there's only one way to find out...

[Stillwater]

Hard drugs washed down with water would appear to be the go!

Channel 10 and Channel 7 Local News (Sunshine Coast) evening bulletins both reported the train toilets story.

Here are some comments from Sunshine Coast Daily readers:

"Well, it's good to see the Cando team (is) up to the challenge of keeping toilets in working order... a small victory for Qld.  (Of course, it will take some time to see if they come good on this promise.)"

"Start clapping when the toilets are in action. Remember the pollies tell lies. We lack support from the pollies on the Coast."

"On ABC radio this morning the Minister blamed the problem on the train fleet inherited from the previous (Labor) government, ignoring the fact that 87 of the 164 trains without toilets were built between 1979 and 1987, when Joh was Premier!"

"LNP platform for next 2 years to blame Bligh seems still on track. Have they in fact looked at the timeline?  When do the LNP believe they will have the money to do the duplication? Have they got a commitment from the Federal Government and the (federal) opposition to contribute?   LNP still have time frame of 2025-31 for duplication. Not good enough, Emerson."

"This doesn't explain why the interurban trains with toilets sit idle at Nambour all weekend while suburban trains without toilets run the 3 hour journey from Brisbane to Gympie. Also the ICE trains normally sit idle in Brisbane all weekend purely for the convenience of QR management, because they can avoid rostering one extra staff member."

[ozbob]

612 ABC Brisbane Breakfast with Rebecca Levingston 

Click --> here!

Fixing a wee problem on Sunshine Coast trains

21 January 2013 , 9:23 AM by Sally Rope

Have you ever taken the train to the Sunshine Coast? It takes about 2 and a half hours...but it can feel like a LOT longer if you need to go to the toilet.

Well, from today, if you're headed to the Sunshine Coast, there's a good chance you'll get a train with a working loo!

Scott Emerson is the Transport & Main Roads Minister...

[ozbob]

I was hoping TravelJohns might be made available as well ... we could volunteer for a user trial after a long lunch at Nambour 

World Crunch --> Dutch Train Company 'Solves' Toilet Fiasco With Emergency Pee-In-A-Bag

[Stillwater]

Let's have a party in a loo!  Ice in the sink, cold tinnies in the ice.  There's even a seat for those who become tipsy or tired .. or tired and emotional.  Emotional because it has only taken five years for train toilets to be addressed.

[Gazza]

The response given at CRGs as to why they coudn't have a spare SMU stationed such that an toiletless EMU was never sent to Nambour/GC was because they preferred to have the newer trains being used more rather than sitting at the yard.

Well for starters they could have the 1995 SMUs stabled as the spares, and secondly, if they want to have the newer trains out more to increase overall reliablity its a net no win situation because you just shift the impact to passengers, who have to put up with toiletless trains.

SMUs/EMUs should be line bound IMO, with schedules arranged accordingly.

[HappyTrainGuy]

"Also the ICE trains normally sit idle in Brisbane all weekend purely for the convenience of QR management, because they can avoid rostering one extra staff member."

lolwut?

The response given at CRGs as to why they coudn't have a spare SMU stationed such that an toiletless EMU was never sent to Nambour/GC was because they preferred to have the newer trains being used more rather than sitting at the yard.

Well for starters they could have the 1995 SMUs stabled as the spares, and secondly, if they want to have the newer trains out more to increase overall reliablity its a net no win situation because you just shift the impact to passengers, who have to put up with toiletless trains.

SMUs/EMUs should be line bound IMO, with schedules arranged accordingly.

The first part I assume is meant to be IMU?

FYI, mtce works dictate what units are put on reserve and that can change depending on many things such as refurbs, vandalism, overhaul work, how many partners are available etc. Newer units are utilised more but that's for other reasons such as units that are out of service and peak hour positioning/recovery (12 car sets heading back to Mayne after arvo peak).

SMU200-220s are just as useless as the EMUs so there's no difference between the two as spares. The only reason they tend to be put on reserve more are because they just make up such a large majority of the available fleet. To put it into perspective there are more EMUs still out there running around than double the combined total of all the IMUs in the fleet (87 vs 42. Combine all the SMUs and you're still 10 units short compared to EMUs 87 vs 77). EMU/SMU200-220s are generally run on the surburban network while SMU260s and IMUs are put on the Nambour/Gold Coast lines. Its really only under a few circumstances that EMUs/SMU200-220 now get put onto the longhaul lines. SMU260's are put onto longhaul lines as they can match the rated track speeds and timetabling. Bring on NGR ? eventually

[mufreight]

"Also the ICE trains normally sit idle in Brisbane all weekend purely for the convenience of QR management, because they can avoid rostering one extra staff member."

lolwut?

The response given at CRGs as to why they coudn't have a spare SMU stationed such that an toiletless EMU was never sent to Nambour/GC was because they preferred to have the newer trains being used more rather than sitting at the yard.

Well for starters they could have the 1995 SMUs stabled as the spares, and secondly, if they want to have the newer trains out more to increase overall reliablity its a net no win situation because you just shift the impact to passengers, who have to put up with toiletless trains.

SMUs/EMUs should be line bound IMO, with schedules arranged accordingly.

The first part I assume is meant to be IMU?

FYI, mtce works dictate what units are put on reserve and that can change depending on many things such as refurbs, vandalism, overhaul work, how many partners are available etc. Newer units are utilised more but that's for other reasons such as units that are out of service and peak hour positioning/recovery (12 car sets heading back to Mayne after arvo peak).

SMU200-220s are just as useless as the EMUs so there's no difference between the two as spares. The only reason they tend to be put on reserve more are because they just make up such a large majority of the available fleet. To put it into perspective there are more EMUs still out there running around than double the combined total of all the IMUs in the fleet (87 vs 42. Combine all the SMUs and you're still 10 units short compared to EMUs 87 vs 77). EMU/SMU200-220s are generally run on the surburban network while SMU260s and IMUs are put on the Nambour/Gold Coast lines. Its really only under a few circumstances that EMUs/SMU200-220 now get put onto the longhaul lines. SMU260's are put onto longhaul lines as they can match the rated track speeds and timetabling. Bring on NGR ? eventually

Will all the NGR rollingstock be equiped with toilets so that they can be used on the longer services?

[ozbob]

See  Next Generation of trains for posts re toilets on NGR --> http://railbotforum.org/mbs/index.php?topic=3706.msg117824#msg117824

[Stillwater]

Will QR straddle the barbed wire fence - arguing there currently is insufficient rolling stock equipped with toilets to gaurantee that every train heading to the Sunny Coast has a working toilet, while at the same time ordering insufficient next generation rollingstock equipped with toilets, thus ensuring the problem continues in perpetuity.  Never solved.  Bet you it happens!

[ozbob]

I think stabling issues has more to do with it (non IMU trains on SCL) than is being said publicy.

[Arnz]

SC trains also being stabled at Caboolture yard is another as well.  IMUs being parked in the Caboolture yard overnight (then dead run to Nambour early the next morning to start services) highlights the need for closing down the Nambour yard and moving to the proposed Yandina yard (and at the same time bring up the possibility of building a Beerwah yard by planning ahead for post Lands' duplication and/or CAMCOS to Caloundra).

[Arnz]

Oops, someone over at the ATDB has reported that SMUs has replaced the unreliable ICEs on the daytime Gympielander run this morning.  From another report, the Nambour trains for today's off-peak had IMUs per scheduled.

[ozbob]

Sort of figured the moves would be more 

Time to bring on the TravelJohn ...

[colinw]

I am completely over this.  Just more rampant QLDitis. 

I therefore propose:

1.  Separate the branding of suburban & interurban trains.
2.  Separate the suburban & interurban fleets, giving all toilet equipped trains to Interurban
3.  Call expressions of interest for franchisees and bring in private operators with performance management type contracts like Metro in Melbourne.  Interurban standard to include toilets, etc.
4.  Sit back and enjoy the theatre for the next 10-15 years until it all settles down.

I just want to put a bomb under the whole structure of railway (and transport) management in this state, blow it to smithereens, and start again.  Nothing against the fine QR drivers, guards, etc., but the Government levels of this mess can go to hell for all I care.

The QR I respected died years ago with the retirement of Vince O'Rourke.  Haven't been able to get any sanity out of them at work since then either.