Train drivers slam Labor's C-series rail cars for continuing to run despite key issues
In a survey of more than 300 drivers by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union at the start of this month leaked to The West Australian, operators of the new trains found there were a litany of issues, including automatic speed functions and problems with the brakes.
Drivers also complained about issues within their cabs, including inadequate air-conditioning, excessive noise and problems with the radio systems connecting them to other operators, controllers and passengers.
Of those surveyed, 94 per cent believed the C-Series was not fit for service when it rolled out onto the tracks last year, with more than four in five reporting problems braking — including a reduction or loss in braking effort.
As part of a 2017 election commitment, Labor returned railcar manufacturing to WA, with 246 of new generation of railcars — dubbed the C-series — to rollout over the life of the Government's contract with Alstom as part of a $1.6 billion project.
Drivers had been left feeling unsafe, with increased stress and shattered mental health as half reported headaches and discomfort after long stints in the cabs.
All bar one of the drivers surveyed said they would consider taking further industrial action if the problems were not addressed, raising rushed training to use the 'disastrous' new railcars.
'I want the government and PTA to admit they got it wrong and apologise to the Western Australian public through the media,' one driver wrote.
'The contract needs to be cancelled and our fellow countrymen in Queensland can make us some quality B-series trains and we can put this sad episode behind us,' another commented.
'It does not matter how much lipstick and pearls you put on a swine. It's still a swine.'
Others said the trains were causing morale issues within driver ranks, with some abused by passengers over discomfort and railcar layout.
'Quite a few experienced drivers have brought their retirement forward because of the C series. I'm am seriously considering early retirement,' another driver wrote.
'How is it possible for a new model to be less comfortable, less driver friendly, less reliable and harder to drive and stop than the model it superseded,' one driver comments.
Since the roll out last April, the C-series trains have been mired in technical issues, including doors not opening or closing at stations, often leading to the temporary shut down of lines as railcars remain stuck.
'The RTBU is currently in the process of working with the Government and the PTA to resolve the concerns of our members,' Union secretary Josh Dekuyer said.
Shadow transport minister Steve Martin said survey results revealed serious issues with the Government's C-series trains, and said it was clear they were rushed.
A State Government spokesman said driver and passenger feedback was 'critical to ensuring the new C-series trains meet the needs of our workers and the community'
.
'Solutions have already been developed in response to some feedback from drivers. For example, a software update is being rolled out for the air-conditioning system, and a trial of new driver seats is set to commence shortly,' he said.
'Some things, like ergonomic matters, only emerge following a new fleet's entry to service, so we are appreciative of drivers' patience as these issues are identified and fixed.
'A workshop with the RTBU, drivers, the PTA, and Alstom will be held in the coming weeks to work through the driver feedback and develop a work schedule to upgrade the driver cabins on existing C-series trains and incorporate any design changes into all new trains coming off the assembly line.
'The PTA is also working towards a range of other enhancement that will improve passenger comfort, such as changes to seating layout.'
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