- 2 years after the start of Rail Fail (#RailFail), QR's CityTrain network is still running on interim reduced timetables, with further service reductions on Fridays, and no end in sight.
- QR's recruitment and training process for new drivers is agonisingly slow.
- QR have failed to control the RTBU, who appear to be running the show. The RTBU's opposition towards external driver recruitment and a closed shop mentality has hit Rail Fail recovery hard.
- There is allegedly poor moral amongst train crew, in particular due to ongoing overtime requirements.
- On-time running stats are misleading, as they don't show unscheduled expressed services, off-peak services, or services removed due to Rail Fail.
- Communication from staff at times of delays is still poor to mediocre.
Other things wrong with SE Queensland's rail network, that also have successive state governments, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to blame are:
- The disastrous New Generation Rollingstock (NGR) project - "illegal" trains that don't meet disability accessibility requirements, door problems, and a "who knows when" fix for these issues.
- Due to the NGR project delays, the geriatric EMU trains are failing regularly, causing delays and rollingstock availability problems, including chronic overcrowded 3-car trains.
- Inadequate base timetables - even the never delivered October 2016 timetables are inadequate compared to Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne - with 15 minute peak gaps on many lines, limited 15 minute off-peak coverage, and abysmal Cleveland Line pm peak service.
- Inadequate rail feeder bus network and park and rides.
- The looming Cross River Rail Fail - unless 40+ more trains are purchased soon, driver recruitment is ramped up, and multiple "bottleneck" infrastructure projects are completed.
- Farcical situation caused by the guard being at the back of NGR trains, disability access being in the middle of the train, and half-arsed platform raising being in the middle of the train.
- Lack of Automatic Train Protection across most of QR's CityTrain network - this means that getting rid of guards for more efficiency is a big problem.
- Inland QR long distance services are extremely poor value for money for the taxpayer.
- Lack of periodical (e.g. weekly) capping options on the go-card is a deterrent to weekend public transport use.
Until Brisbane and SE Queensland has a train service as frequent and reliable as other major Australian capital cities, there is no way that anyone in QR or TMR should be paid a bonus. With QR's failures and poor efficiency, it should even be questioned as to why QR should not be privatised. BrizCommuter will not be surprised if this happens within minutes of the LNP next gaining power in Queensland.
any ideas why the Cleveland line keeps getting 3-car units in peak? Is it true they have no other option, surely 3 car can be relegated to Northgate and Doomben services?
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with privatisation. Plenty of examples where it's failed around the world and the govt had to buy it back. It's a service, not a business and needs to be treated as such.
ReplyDeleteIn saying that Newman wanted to privitise GC-Airport and Beenleigh-FG. That's half the issue with the NGRs. Designed as driver only for privatisation without the network being ready for it.
I think guards are in big trouble at the next EBA regardless of who wins the election. They no longer perform the role as set out when they got their large payrise so would expect them to get reclassified as CSAs.
Also, expect #RailFail2.0 to happen if/when traincrew decide they've had enough of being the whipping boys everytime something goes wrong and pull OT and oyt depot relief. The shortage of drivers is still monumental and can crash the network. (there are about 70 excess guards)
Paul Wallis and Sandra Birkensleigh QR directors
ReplyDeletePhillip Strachan QR chairman Louise Collins, Executive General Manager People and Culture all resigned. odd isn't it these are the people who have tried to change QR,
the only change they have been successful at is reducing the number of services available to the public
got a spare 6.9 million ? that's roughly what QR will spend this year on assisted boarding staff for the ngr on the Kipparing line
ReplyDeleteI've had to stop taking the train due to the poor air conditioning and heating. In winter it was up to 30 degrees in the train. The shock from going from a brisk 15 degree morning air to sweltering humid 30 degrees was just too much and I was breaking out in rashes due to the temperature change.
ReplyDeleteIs this site dead again?
ReplyDelete