The 75th and final New Generation Rollingstock train to undergo an accessibility upgrade is now in service, marking the completion of upgrades to the entire fleet.
The Queensland Government invested more than $335 million into the upgrade of the entire South East Queensland train fleet, in response to a 2018 Commission of Inquiry which found the trains were seriously flawed and not disability compliant.
The trains were ordered from overseas by the LNP under Campbell Newman and David Crisafulli, the fleet was found to cause severe access issues for Queenslanders with a disability.
The fleet was upgraded in consultation with the disability sector to include larger toilet modules, additional priority seats, greater signage including tactile text and braille, extra grab and handrails, and redesigned equipment to make it easier for customers with limited dexterity.
Steven Miles, Queensland Premier said safety, accessibility and inclusion is paramount.
“Today is an incredibly proud moment for the disability advocates who championed these upgrades and helped us to deliver the best possible outcome,” he said.
“This investment has not only changed the way Queenslanders can travel by train, it has also supported good Queensland manufacturing jobs.
“Maryborough is the heartland of rail manufacturing in our state, and because of my government’s ongoing investment it will continue to be for decades to come.”
The upgrades began in 2019 at Downer’s Maryborough Rail Manufacturing facility, supporting 80 jobs over the five-year upgrade program.
Downer is also delivering the major overhaul of Queensland Rail’s IMU 160 and SMU 260 fleet, which first entered service on the Queensland Rail network as early as 2007.
John Mayo, Spokesperson Transport and Main Roads Accessibility Reference Group said, all hard work has paid off.
“The TMR ARG members’ tireless work has come to fruition with the final NGR train being delivered into customer service,” he said.
“The modifications ensure all 75 NGR trains exceed accessibility compliance and offer an equitable service to all passengers.”
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