❓ Hon Steve Martin questions the Transport Minister regarding concerns about the C-series trains, particularly driver concerns from a leaked survey. The Minister's response highlights ongoing collaboration with the union to address these issues and implement improvements.
AnsweredQoN 321Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
C-series trains
321. Hon Steve Martin to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Transport:
I refer to the
rushed implementation of the government's C-series trains and to reports that C-series
train drivers have expressed significant concerns about the trains in a leaked
survey report.
(1) Is a log kept of reported issues for all C-series
trains in service, and can this be tabled for the month of May 2025?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) How many times have C-series trains been
pulled from service to address specific concerns outside the standard
maintenance schedule since the trains first launched?
(4) On what dates has the minister met with the
union to discuss the concerns?
(5) What steps are being taken to address the
concerns?
321. Hon Steve Martin to
the parliamentary secretary representing the Minister
for Transport:
I refer to the
rushed implementation of the government's C-series trains and to reports that C-series
train drivers have expressed significant concerns about the trains in a leaked
survey report.
(1) Is a log kept of reported issues for all C-series
trains in service, and can this be tabled for the month of May 2025?
(2) If no to (1), why not?
(3) How many times have C-series trains been
pulled from service to address specific concerns outside the standard
maintenance schedule since the trains first launched?
(4) On what dates has the minister met with the
union to discuss the concerns?
(5) What steps are being taken to address the
concerns?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The answer says (1) to (2), but
I assume it is (1) to (5).
(1)–(5) Driver
and passenger feedback is absolutely critical to ensuring the new C-series
trains meet the needs of our workers and the community. As part of our
commitment to ongoing improvements of the new C-series trains, the Public
Transport Authority and the state government have been working constructively
with the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union to incorporate driver feedback on
changes that will improve driver comfort and operability. Solutions have already
been developed in response to some feedback from drivers. For example, a
software update is being rolled out for the air-conditioning system, and a
trial of new driver seats is set to commence shortly. Some things, like
ergonomic matters, only emerge following a new fleet's
entry to service, so we are appreciative of the drivers' patience as these
issues are identified and fixed.
A workshop with the RTBU, drivers, the PTA and Alstom will
be held in the coming weeks to work through the driver feedback and develop
a work schedule to upgrade the driver cabins on existing C-series trains and
incorporate any design changes into all new trains coming off the assembly
line. The PTA is also working towards a range of other enhancements that will
improve passenger comfort, such as changes to seating layout.
honourable member for some notice of the question and provide the following
answer on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The answer says (1) to (2), but
I assume it is (1) to (5).
(1)–(5) Driver
and passenger feedback is absolutely critical to ensuring the new C-series
trains meet the needs of our workers and the community. As part of our
commitment to ongoing improvements of the new C-series trains, the Public
Transport Authority and the state government have been working constructively
with the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union to incorporate driver feedback on
changes that will improve driver comfort and operability. Solutions have already
been developed in response to some feedback from drivers. For example, a
software update is being rolled out for the air-conditioning system, and a
trial of new driver seats is set to commence shortly. Some things, like
ergonomic matters, only emerge following a new fleet's
entry to service, so we are appreciative of the drivers' patience as these
issues are identified and fixed.
A workshop with the RTBU, drivers, the PTA and Alstom will
be held in the coming weeks to work through the driver feedback and develop
a work schedule to upgrade the driver cabins on existing C-series trains and
incorporate any design changes into all new trains coming off the assembly
line. The PTA is also working towards a range of other enhancements that will
improve passenger comfort, such as changes to seating layout.
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