Brisbane trains: Queensland Rail executive sacked as inquiry begins

A high-level Queensland Rail employee has been sacked as an inquiry begins into the staffing crisis that has caused major delays on south-east Queensland's train network.

Transport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe confirmed Queensland Rail chief executive Helen Gluer had stood down the head of train service delivery on Tuesday.

QR boss Helen Gluer stood down the head of train service delivery as probe set to begin.Credit: Glenn Hunt

Mr Hinchliffe backed Ms Gluer's decision after a driver shortage led to the cancellation of major services on Friday, creating commuter chaos.

The chief executive initially accepted full responsibility for the debacle because QR was under-resourced and unprepared for the start of the new Redcliffe Peninsula line.

"She has identified where she believes there has been a lack of due diligence done in the lead-up to the implementation of the October 4 timetable and she's acted to stand aside that individual," Mr Hinchliffe said at Roma Street Station.

However, the transport minister stressed the matter was now subject to a review, announced on Tuesday by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to get to the bottom of the saga.

Speaking from Mackay, Ms Palaszczuk announced former Rio Tinto executive Philip Strachan had been appointed to head the inquiry.

"He has extensive experience in risk assessment and audit, and the director- general and I will be meeting with him tomorrow to finalise the terms of reference," she said.

But the opposition criticised the premier for not taking further action.

Shadow treasurer Scott Emerson said Mr Hinchliffe should take responsibility for allowing the problems to develop on his watch.

"The trains have been cancelled, why hasn't Stirling Hinchliffe been cancelled as a minister?" he said.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk said heads would roll; well, heads haven't rolled, and the trains aren't rolling either."

The new interim train timetable to accommodate the shortfall of drivers came into force on Tuesday, with Queensland Rail reporting a 98.63 per cent on-time running rate on the reduced schedule.

Mr Hinchliffe couldn't confirm when a new permanent timetable would come into force.

"Changes to the timetable, over time, will be a part of what we're seeking to do, but I am hoping that will be all about increasing services," he said.

AAP