Steve Martin: Government's response to concerns about trains shows Labor's arrogance
The arrogant and dismissive response from Transport Minister Rita Saffioti should horrify every Western Australian.
A six-railcar C-series train has 400 seats and can carry more than 1000 passengers.
So, when the union that represents the people driving those trains releases a survey stating that the majority of drivers support withdrawing the trains until the issues can be resolved, you would expect the State Government to pay attention.
The survey is genuinely shocking: 94 per cent of train drivers believe the trains weren't ready for service when they launched; 91 per cent believe the training they received was inadequate; 83 per cent report serious safety issues such as braking, speed and communication issues; 73.8 per cent of drivers said they themselves have felt unsafe while operating a C-series railcar.
The 59-page report from the Rail Tram and Bus Union raised a plethora of specific issues. Doors opening or closing when they shouldn't, braking inconsistencies, difficulty communicating using the passenger emergency intercom, auto speed issues causing surging and/or over-speeding.
There were also pages of testimony from drivers not holding back with their criticisms.
The report also states that drivers felt the introduction of the C-series was 'politically motivated and rushed.'
When 75 per cent of train drivers tell you they feel unsafe operating these massive machines, you sit up and pay attention.
So, it has been surprising to see the level of willingness of the Cook Labor Government to completely deny and dismiss genuine concerns raised by professional train drivers.
Premier Roger Cook, after spending quite a bit of time during the last election campaign riding around on the trains, had this to say: 'We understand that, you know, changing the model of trains always challenges the work force.'
Ms Saffioti was even more blunt, responding to questions in Parliament from Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas by saying: '… drivers need to get used to the new trains.'
It is difficult to think of a more disdainful response from the State Government to train drivers than to tell them that they, not the machinery they are paid to professionally operate, are the problem. It is the sort of arrogance that is becoming a constant theme from WA Labor in their third term.
The drivers have good reason to be cynical of the Minister's priorities.
The Bussell Highway duplication was 'opened' in time for Easter this year after years of delay — but the red warning cones, lane closures and speed reductions were swiftly back in place afterwards and roadworks continue to this day.
The ultimate disdain of the Minister, who is also the Treasurer, is for WA taxpayers. Metronet has now blown out by over $12.5 billion. That's not her money, that is yours. Western Australians deserve better than a Transport Minister and Treasurer who is it in for herself and not for you.
Steve Martin is Shadow Transport Minister
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