On the fast track to improving driver training

Published Tuesday, 21 March, 2017 at 12:12 PM

Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jackie Trad

The Palaszczuk Government is continuing to deliver on its plan to fix the trains, today announcing a partnership with GHD and the Centre for Excellence in Rail Training (CERT) to improve Queensland Rail’s driver and guard training program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Jackie Trad said that in line with recommendation 16 of the Strachan Inquiry, Queensland Rail would partner with GHD and CERT to overhaul its training program.

“Today’s announcement is the critical next step in ensuring we speed up training timeframes and fix the trains,” Ms Trad said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to modernising Queensland Rail’s training program and ensuring drivers and guards are trained and on the network in shorter timeframes, without compromising safety.

“GHD and CERT’s industry experience and use of modern technologies made them the first choice to complete this intensive review and their findings will inform an entire overhaul of Queensland Rail’s traincrew training.

“We are listening to the feedback from commuters and we know that reliability is what people want.

“Getting drivers trained and on the network is key to introducing more services for customers and this partnership will deliver faster, best practice training.

“Queensland Rail is already working to identify areas where training can be fast-tracked, while still delivering highly skilled and qualified drivers.

“This includes the recent intake of the largest ever classes of drivers and guards.”

GHD Australia has international experience in delivering infrastructure projects and specialises in technical based training solutions.

CERT brings extensive national transformation experience specialising in the rail industry, including with organisation such as Country Rail Netowrk, Aurizon, Thiess and Public Transport Authority WA.

The Fixing the Trains Action Plan is getting Queensland Rail back on track by putting the commuter first. You can read the plan at: http://www.cru.qld.gov.au/reports.html.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942