The Queensland Government has released a plan for reforming the state’s rail system.
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, Jackie Trad, said the plan would modernise Queensland Rail and give commuters confidence in the rail network.
“We are putting commuters first and fixing the trains to give Queenslanders the modern, reliable public transport that they deserve,” Ms Trad said.
“Since the release of the Strachan Report we have hit the ground running.
“We have committed to implementing all 36 recommendations, we have appointed the head of the Citytrain Response Unit and today we have announced Nick Easy as the new CEO who will drive a new era at Queensland Rail.”
Ms Trad said the Fixing the Trains action plan was the blueprint for the new era, prioritising great service and reliability for commuters and encouraging cultural change across the whole organisation.
“This plan will restore public confidence in our Citytrain network and ensure Queensland Rail accelerates its training and recruitment program so we have a reliable pipeline of drivers and guards going forward.
“Most importantly, this plan will deliver a series of initiatives that put the customer first.
“Overcoming a legacy of insufficient recruitment is a major task, but the Palaszczuk Government is serious about fixing the trains and giving the people of Queensland the world-class rail system they deserve.”
As part of the state government’s action plan, in the first 100 days the Deputy Premier has instructed Queensland Rail to:
- Appoint a Chief Customer Service Officer with responsibility for ensuring the rail operator is putting the customer first
- Introduce Commuter Catch-ups so customers have a new forum to provide feedback directly to Queensland Rail and the government
- Strengthen Queensland Rail’s Customer Charter so it’s a contract with commuters delivering improved customer service benchmarks
- Work to deliver more timely and reliable information so commuters can confidently plan their journeys
- Facilitate entrepreneurs, developers and researchers to use transport data to develop more innovative products and services to benefit customers
- Commence a station audit to determine which stations need an immediate refresh to improve improve customer access and facilities
- Roll out a bin blitz returning custom bins to inner-city stations between Toowong, South Brisbane and Bowen Hills.
