Transport authority to sit down with train drivers over C-Series concerns
The Public Transport Authority will host a workshop with the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, train drivers and C-Series train manufacturer Alstom in the coming weeks, after more than 300 drivers expressed serious concerns about the comfort and braking ability of the locally made trains.
A union survey of train drivers found 93.7 per cent thought the trains were not fit for traffic when they started taking passengers, while 82.8 per cent reported 'braking inconsistencies' like 'reduction in braking effort, loss of braking effort, surging'.
More than 97.7 per cent also reported inadequate air-conditioning in the cabins and 82.5 per cent said the problems affected their mental wellbeing.
More than 79 per cent want the government to suspend railcar delivery until the issues were addressed.
The opposition pounced on the survey, saying it raised questions about the safety of the trains given the concerns around braking.
A PTA spokeswoman told WAtoday there were no braking issues on the C-Series train.
'The new railcars have excellent acceleration and braking features and are an improvement on the A and B-series railcar fleet,' she said.
'We expected there would be a period of adjustment when drivers began using the new trains and their enhanced features, and the PTA is committed to working with its drivers to take on board their feedback.
'Solutions have already been developed in response to other feedback from drivers. For example, a software update is being rolled out for the air conditioning system, and a trial of new driver seats is scheduled to commence shortly.
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