Union calls for halt of New Intercity Fleet train testing after independent report finds operating model not safe

Union calls for halt of New Intercity Fleet train testing after independent report finds operating model not safe

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has written to Premier Gladys Berejiklian demanding an urgent stop to proposed testing of the New Intercity Fleet after an independent report released today raised safety concerns with the operating model.

The Independent Safety Evaluation of the New Intercity Fleet (NIF) report by Klaus Clemens Engineers, commissioned by the RTBU, found:

“NIF project does not identify all material hazards and fails to assess them to the degree necessary, hence the NIF operating model is not safe So Far As Is Reasonably Practical (SFAIRP).

“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. 

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

“The Government must not allow these new South Korean-built trains onto our system
until the dangerous operating system has been fixed and they are proven safe.

“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.

Read the Independent Safety Evaluation of the New Intercity Fleet here: https://bit.ly/3nxkVti