Union boss slammed for driving ’ancient’ train despite snubbing new Intercity fleet over safety issues

Rail Tram and Bus Union boss Alex Claassens took a joy ride aboard an “ancient” locomotive over the Harbour Bridge - despite shunning a brand new fleet over safety fears.

The union boss who repeatedly brought NSW’s rail network to its knees over safety issues with a brand-new fleet of trains has been slammed for driving a historic steam train over the Harbour Bridge.

Rail Tram and Bus Union boss Alex Claassens posed with a 3801 locomotive on Sunday – a train first introduced in 1943 – and even gave Transport Minister David Elliott and his wife Nicole a lift over the harbour.

The RTBU secretary has led months of industrial action against the government over a tussle that centred on what the union says are safety issues with the New Intercity Fleet.

Treasurer Matt Kean said Mr Claassens wanted to subject commuters to “slow, old fashioned and ancient trains”.

“He’s taken the commuters of NSW for a ride by grounding a certified brand new state-of-the-art NIF fleet, while playing (with) steam trains on the weekends,” he said.

Mr Claassens with the 3801 Locomotive. Picture: Gaye Gerard

“This is the world Alex Claassens wants for our commuters — slow, old fashioned and ancient trains with out of date technology as they are exposed to a Labor union industrial campaign straight out of the 1970s.

The most famous heritage steam locomotive in NSW, 3801 crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time ever and then parks beside and original Sydney "Red Rattler" electric passenger train at Lavender Bay. Picture: Supplied

Another Minister added: “If Alex Claassens had his way, he would be taking the commuters of NSW back to the steam age era. The next thing he will be demanding will be the installation of coal boxes.”

But not all ministers were out for blood on Sunday with Transport Minister David Elliott sharing photos of the trip on his LinkedIn.

“Shout out to engineer Alex Claassens who despite the temptations, made for us a safe journey,” he wrote.

Mr Claassens was contacted for a comment.