Rail review recommendations are a positive step towards getting back on track

The recommendations of the Walsh review into the state’s rail system released today are welcomed and, if implemented correctly, will go a long way towards improving our troubled rail network, said the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW.

RTBU NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the union looks forward to liaising closely with the NSW Government to map out the detail of how the recommendations can be implemented in practice.

“The previous Liberal Government made a mess of our transport system in the decade it was in power,” Mr Claassens said.

“This review provides a roadmap for getting things back on track, which is crucial if we’re going to provide the commuters and rail workers of the state with the world-class transport system they deserve.

“One of the biggest failings of the previous government was that it neglected to consult with industry experts, including its workforce, on key transport decisions. We’re glad to see that the new government is keen not to make those same mistakes.

Mr Claassens said a number of the key recommendations, including tackling the five-year backlog of system maintenance, a team to be able to flexibly and rapidly respond to disruption and engagement during the procurement, design and construction of the new rolling stock are particularly important in order to get our rail system moving properly again.

“This will be a positive step forward in addressing the critical maintenance work that is needed to ensure the reliability and safety of the network and in preventing a significant backlog of issues from happening in the future. We need to see an end to the on-going network incidents and the inconvenience it causes to commuters,” said Mr Claassens.