The first New Generation Rollingstock train has arrived Maryborough ahead of a $335 million program to adjust the fleet to suit the latest disability access standards.
A recent report from an inquiry into the delivery of the fleet of 75 new trains for South East Queensland highlighted fractures in the relationship between Queensland Rail and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, which allowed a fleet of trains to be ordered while not fully complying with access standards on cars including toilets.
The inquiry found rollingstock manufacturer Bombardier advised the state of difficulties designing the trains to suit the standards, given South East Queensland’s narrow-gauge railways, but that their construction was approved anyway.
With many of the trains now operating, boosting the capacity of the South East Queensland’s rail network, the state will pay $335 million to have the issues rectified at Maryborough by Downer.
Looking to make a positive out of the rectification spending, local member Bruce Saunders said the Palaszczuk Government was delivering local jobs.
“We always said these works would be carried out locally and made no apologies for that,” Saunders said. “The rectification works will not only make our new trains accessible and better for everyone, particularly people with disabilities and mobility issues, but this contract will support regional manufacturing and an estimated 100 local jobs too.”
Transport and main roads minister Mark Bailey said he was pleased the government was following through on the recommendations of Forde Inquiry into how Queensland’s NGR trains were designed and ordered.
“Upon completion, the NGR trains will be the some of the most accessible in the country,” Bailey said. “We expect the first NGR train to be upgraded to meet all operational and functional requirements to go back into customer service in 2020.”
The Forde Inquiry, ordered by the Palaszczuk Government, described the relationship between Queensland Rail and Transport and Main Roads as being “marred by distrust,” and recommended a “comprehensive cultural assessment” be undertaken to foster a more collaborative working environment.
Commissioner Michael Forde said the distrust had stemmed from the parties being shuffled around in their roles during the early stages of the NGR procurement process.
“The decision to remove QR as the project lead created a degree of resentment and animosity that resulted in a competitive rather than collaborative relationship during the delivery phase of the project,” Forde said. “In the Commission’s view, the tense and competitive relationship hindered the effective management and resolution of compliance issues.
“An environment where the prevailing consideration is carefully distinguishing responsibilities and defending positions rather than working together to achieve a common goal is not conducive to positive project outcomes or the prompt and effective management of issues.”