Trains to get even more crowded, and even skip stations

Queensland Rail has warned there will be more three-car trains due to a backlog of routine maintenance it blamed on union-protected industrial action, causing a squeeze for commuters.

Commuters have already endured weeks of frustrating delays as track closures forced travellers into hours-long queues for replacement buses over Easter.

The closures for maintenance works were extended days beyond the original school holiday timetable, at a time when the fuel crisis forced more people onto public transport. Queensland Rail blamed industrial action taken by union members during ongoing pay negotiation.

Queensland Rail has now warned customers three-car trains will operate on the network, with the Ferny Grove and Cleveland lines worst affected.

“We share your frustrations and understand this is a discomfort for customers, but this is required to run services according to timetable, for as long as possible,” a Queensland Rail spokeswoman said.

“Should union-protected industrial action continue, customers will experience more three-car sets and Queensland Rail may be forced to further downgrade or cancel services.”

The introduction of more three-car services is likely to continue well into next week, although six-car services will run when possible.

It means more crowded services, with some passengers forced to stand for long journeys, and the possibility trains will skip stations if they are full.

Train controllers and workers, represented by the Rail Tram and Bus Union and the Electrical Trades Union, have taken industrial action amid an ongoing pay dispute with Queensland Rail.

Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said unions had continued to submit notices for protected industrial action including, in the case of the ETU, on Anzac Day.

“Even if the unions withdrew all of their protected industrial action today, the backlog in maintenance means it could be some time before all trains can return to service,” he said.

“Unions’ refusal to undertake essential maintenance on trains means there are fewer trains available to run the normal number of services.”

The ETU on Wednesday said no industrial action would be taken on Anzac Day to “any extent that would impact members of the public and affect services running”.

“Any disruptions to services on Anzac Day will be at the hands of Queensland Rail and the LNP state government,” it said.

Mickelberg said entire train lines could be shut down with little notice if industrial action led to union members refusing to fix a fault on the rail network, and with Queensland Rail being unable to operate safely.

Earlier this month, the RTBU said its workers had intended to refuse to work only on coal and mineral trains, and the government had extended cancellations to passenger services.

Under Fair Work Commission processes, the agency will make an updated offer to workers on Monday, April 27, which unions must respond to by May 7.

The Electrical Trades Union Queensland and Northern Territory Branch was contacted for comment.

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