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Posted: 2017-05-19 10:56:13

Posted May 19, 2017 20:56:13

The State Government has no plans to switch manufacturers for Queensland's problem-plagued fleet of new trains as authorities work out a remedy for design issues.

The trains were supposed to begin rolling out by the end of 2016, but on-track testing uncovered problems with braking, air-conditioning, ventilation, sightlines for train drivers, and disability access.

None of the $4.4 billion package has been paid to the Canadian-based manufacturer Bombardier since the State Government halted the delivery in March.

Bombardier has been criticised over at least two other public transport projects overseas but Queensland Minister for Transport Jackie Trad says she has no plans to look elsewhere.

"I have to say, we are not considering anything like that. I am 100 per cent focused on making sure we continue to resolve the outstanding issues. We know how important these trains are for Queensland," she said.

Queensland desperately needs these new electric trains on track, especially in time for next year's Commonwealth Games.

Ms Trad says at least 15 of the 75 trains are on track to be ready by the Commonwealth Games but they cannot be commissioned until design issues are fixed.

"We hope to get these trains on our network in order to meet our obligations around the Commonwealth Games, to ensure we're providing increased passenger services for the people of Queensland," Ms Trad said.

The Government will not reveal if the main problems stem from the pre-design phase of the project.

Disability advocate Geoff Trappett was part of a group shown through one of the trains at the Ipswich maintenance facility this week.

He said there were still a number of disability access problems which still needed to be fixed.

"These issues are showstoppers. They're the kind of thing where a train can be put on the tracks and then brought off the track the next day because of a disability discrimination complaint. They're not in any way shape or form small issues," he said.

"It seems as though that the details of disability discrimination have just gone out the window on this occasion."

A statement from the consortium leading the project, Qtectic, said the first NGR trains were due to be on the network later this year.

"The Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail and Qtectic are working around the clock to ensure that the trains enter passenger services as soon as possible without compromising safety," the statement reads.

"As a global leader in transportation, Bombardier has adopted the best practices and advantages of a local and global supply chain, using over 15 countries.

"This will ensure the delivery of new trains for Queenslanders that will be equal, or better in quality than any commuter trains across the globe."

Topics: rail, rail-transport, state-parliament, engineering, brisbane-4000, qld, southport-4215

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