‘NSW’s new intercity fleet of trains aren’t safe’: Independent review finds

A scathing independent review of the NSW Government’s new intercity fleet of trains has found the procedures proposed aren’t safe. SEE THE FINDINGS

A damning independent review of the NSW Government’s new intercity fleet of trains has found the operating model is “not safe”, highlighting a series of “serious safety concerns”.

The independent review, conducted by Klaus Clemens Engineers, found the new intercity fleet operating model failed to meet the “So Far As Is Reasonably Practical” safety standards.

Transport for NSW and NSW TrainLink are currently reviewing the report they received this afternoon and said “safety concerns will be taken seriously”.

The new intercity fleet, made up of 55-trains and more than 550 carriages will operate services on the Central Coast and Newcastle, Blue Mountains and South Coast Lines, with services starting or finishing at Central Station using the Sydney Trains network.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance inspected the first trains delivered as part of the $2.4 billion intercity fleet. (Supplied)

NewsLocal can reveal The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has called on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to order “an urgent stop to proposed testing of the new intercity fleet”.

“Particular concerns are raised with the CCTV view being obstructed by the open saloon door, shortcomings with the CCTV technology and the lack of monitoring of the platform gap,”

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said.

“This independent report confirms the long-held concern of the union and rail workers that the NIF is a safety disaster waiting to happen.

“The people on the ground – the train guards, drivers and station staff – also know these trains aren’t safe.”

The $2.4 billion intercity fleet is being tested across the network. (Supplied)

Under the changes, drivers will be responsible for assessing CCTV both on the train and platform before closing doors.

On existing trains a guard at the rear carriage would be responsible for assessing platforms.

Earlier this year, Mr Claassens raised concerns around the diversion of emergency calls from NIF trains to a call centre in Green Square, which was confirmed by Transport for NSW.

“I’ve written to the Premier warning her that the current operating system for these new trains is unsafe because it doesn’t allow train guards to properly monitor people in the moments before the train departs.”

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The operating system for the new train will see guard roles transformed into a customer service representative on trains, while CCTV footage will be used to monitor customers entering and exiting the train.

“The design of this train risks commuters falling through the gaps between the train and platform, resulting in injury or death,” Mr Claassens argued.

“I can’t stress enough that public protection must be the first priority and these new trains must not hit service until passenger safety is guaranteed,” he said.

A transport for NSW spokesman said the new intercity fleet is a new modern train with the latest state-of-the-art safety technology that is already used around the world.

It also has a range of new features to enhance the customer experience.

“The CCTV technology will provide the driver and the customer service guard with a clear view of the entire platform in all conditions and platform configurations,” the spokesman said.

“The train is also equipped with sensitive door edges meaning doors will re-open automatically when an object is detected, and the train will not be able to move unless all of the doors are closed.

Screengrab of the new intercity train fleet being tested. (Supplied)

“Since arriving, the new intercity fleet has been undergoing a rigorous testing schedule and we have been using that time to ensure that all the systems are performing as expected.

“This includes updates and improvements to the CCTV to ensure that it performs in all conditions.

“Transport for NSW and NSW TrainLink are currently reviewing the report provided by the RTBU at 2.30pm today and all safety concerns will be taken seriously.”

A spokesman said the train and its operating model has also been reviewed by an independent international expert, Ray Metcalfe, in two separate reviews in 2019 and 2020, an found that the train and the operating model to be safer than current practice and safer than other models currently used around the world.

Transport for NSW has engaged extensively and consulted widely in the development and implementation of the train, including with our staff, the unions, HSRs and importantly our customers.