Media Release: Train drivers, guards and crew endorse safety ban on New Intercity Fleet trains starting tomorrow

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members will refuse to work on New InterCity Fleet (NIF) train due to serious safety concerns.

The NIF will be tested on the Sydney Trains Network this Friday and Sunday.

RTBU members will not perform any work associated with the NIF and its dangerous operating system during Mission Readiness, a two-day test of the unsafe train starting tomorrow.

The safety ban will mean disruption for commuters who travel on the Intercity network from the Central Coast and Newcastle, Blue Mountains and South Coast, with services starting or finishing at Central Station.

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said, “The New Intercity Fleet won’t be moving anywhere unless serious safety issues are fixed.

“Railway workers refuse to put themselves, their workmates, and passengers at risk by allowing these unsafe trains on the tracks.

“NSW Trains intends to test these dangerous trains on our network tomorrow. Our members are standing up for community safety and will not crew the New InterCity Fleet.

“We regret that it has reached this point where the Government continues to ignore community safety and we urge commuters who might be travelling on Friday to make alternative travel arrangements.

“Our members have basically said enough is enough, this ban will start effective tomorrow.

“Currently, guards can hear people yelling and keep their eyes on the platform and doors until the train pulls away – they won’t under the new model.

“The people on the ground – the train guards, drivers and station staff – know these train aren’t safe.

“The Government should do the right thing and not allow these new South Korean-built trains onto our system until the dangerous operating system has been fixed and they are proven safe.

“We urge the Minister to intervene to protect community safety and avoid chaos on the train network tomorrow,” he said.