According to the Railway Network Strategy launched by the Department of Transport and Main Roads the capacity and performance of the metropolitan rail network must be developed to support the anticipated growth in passengers, and their expectations of minimum service levels.
Rail will enhance the performance of the total passenger transport network by ensuring integration with other modes, including proximity to park and ride, and bus and ride facilities.
The network is to reflect the application of Customer Service Obligations particularly in rural, remote and disadvantaged communities.
Queensland Government announced that South East Queensland’s flagship fleet of new generation trains are on track to begin servicing commuters in the second half of this year. This project is part of the Government’s New Generation Rolling stock (NGR) project, allowing local designs to be tested and modified as needed. The trains will be operated by TransLink.
The Queensland Government will contribute USD 4.4 billion over next 30 years to fund the New Generation Rolling stock (NGR) project which includes: the design, construction and maintenance of 75 new passenger trains for South East Queensland, the design, construction and operation of a purpose-built Maintenance Centre at Wulkuraka, west of Ipswich and the procurement of 3 NGR training simulators for train crew. According to the Department of Traansport, at the end of 2018, all New Generation Rolling stock fleet will be operational.
Bombardier Transportation designed the NGR trains in Queensland and assembles them at a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in India, using expertise, technology and materials sourced from at least 15 countries including: Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, India, Bahrain, Germany, Poland, Austria, France, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Canada.
The project is the largest single investment by Queensland in trains and demonstrates the government’s commitment to public transport in South East Queensland.
The first of the 75 new 6-car trains being delivered as part of the NGR project is expected to enter the South East Queensland passenger rail network by the end of 2016. The new trains will increase the overall size of the South East Queensland rail fleet by 30% and provide a safer, more comfortable journey for passengers. Key features of the new trains include Wi-Fi, new internal and external CCTV cameras, new straps to secure bicycles, a spacious cab and ergonomically designed console for drivers.
The USD 4.4 billion NGR project is the largest single investment by Queensland in trains and involves the delivery of 75 6-car trains for the South East Queensland passenger rail network, and the construction of a purpose-built Maintenance Centre to service and repair the new trains for the next 30 years.
Expected start of NGR services on the South East Queensland passenger rail network is expected for the second half of 2016, with all NGR fleet operational in 2018.
South East Queensland’s new generation trains will be serviced, repaired and maintained west of Ipswich at a new USD 190 million centre inaugurated in February 2016.
Expressions of Interest will soon be called for the newly created Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel to assist state and local governments deliver high-quality infrastructure, planning and urban projects.
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said good design can enhance quality of life and provide social and economic benefits. The establishment of the Queensland Urban Design and Places Panel is another important step in the journey of Better Planning for Queensland, and recognises that good design is a critical ingredient in a globally competitive society and locally inclusive communities,” Trad said.
The Panel will have an advisory role, informing the Government about the design of major infrastructure and urban development projects across the State, and providing expert advice across such fields as urban design, planning, architecture, sustainability and sub-tropical design. A number of councils, including the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Brisbane, have similar panels in place, and this one will be able to be used by local governments that would also like the capacity to bring about better design for their community.
by Elena Ilie
Share on:
