Queensland Rail driver and guard training boosted

The Palaszczuk Government has boosted the size of Queensland Rail’s driver and guard training intake, a core step towards fixing the train timetables.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said that speeding up the driver and guard training process was a key recommendation of the Strachan Commission of Inquiry.

“The Strachan Inquiry was clear – we need to boost driver and guard numbers quickly and safely,” Ms Trad said.

“We are hitting the ground running, with 25 trainee drivers and 40 trainee guards starting today.

“This follows external recruitment advertisements over the weekend for previous Queensland Rail drivers to re-join the company and boost our ranks.

“My top priority is to ensure that Queensland Rail’s customers have reliable, efficient train services.

“Our goal is to accelerate the training time from 18 months, down to an industry standard of nine months, while maintaining quality and safety.

“There is no quick solution – fixing Queensland Rail will take time, dedication and most of all innovation and change.

“Our Government’s response sets out that change and the direction we need to turn Queensland Rail around, which will involve major changes to Queensland Rail’s structure and operations.

“I am committed to drive the reform of Queensland Rail so it delivers a modern transport system which Queenslanders can be proud of.”

Today’s driver school with 25 trainees is more than double the average intake prior to the opening of the Redcliffe Peninsula line and the guard school is increasing from 26 to 40, creating a steady stream of new recruits.

Other initiatives to restore a high level of service from Queensland Rail will include:

• Establishing a Citytrain Response Unit, headed by Jacqui Walters, to monitor, audit and report on the implementation of the Strachan Inquiry’s recommendations.
• Assess testing of the current timetable to enable stable, reliable services and sufficient training capacity to facilitate the long-term return to full service levels.
• Transparent and timely reporting to TransLink regarding issues that may affect service delivery, to enable customers to plan real time alternative travel arrangements.
• Ensuring that ongoing negotiations with traincrew unions focus on best practice rules regarding continuous working time and other crewing practices to alleviate overtime pressure on traincrew.

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Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942