Queensland Government’s new $4.4 billion Indian-built train project by the Canadian manufacturer Bombardier seems to be heading into trouble with the design of the new trains failing to meet the legal standards.
reported that the new trains that have trouble with the air conditioning and braking also have a design flaw that causes wheelchairs not properly fitting into the disabled-accessible toilets on the trains.
Nine of the 75 new trains ordered five years ago have been delivered and those are expected to be used to ferry passengers for next month’s Commonwealth Games.
A Brisbane commuter who uses a wheelchair told she was seeking advice on a Federal Court injunction against operating these trains due to their design flaw impeding disabled access.
Earlier this month, the Australian Human Rights Commission refused the Queensland Government’s application for an exemption so it could run the trains due to accessibility issues. The commission has given time until 16 March for submissions when it delivers its final decision.
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The state government has given an undertaking to rectify the design flaws to make the fleet transport standards compliant in three years, which could cost up to $150 million.
While the state opposition has pushing the Labor government to fix the problems, the Palaszczuk Government is taking a cover behind the argument that the order placed by the LNP Government.
Transport advocates say the current government failed to act despite having plenty of time to do so.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey told that the Government was working with the disability sector to fix the problems.
“There is no question that the design signed off under the former LNP Government is completely unacceptable and it is a very complex engineering and commercial undertaking to make changes to their half-baked $4.4 billion contract,” the minister has been quoted as saying.
The department’s website says it would take 18 to 24 months to fix the problem.
