NGR train at centre of network-wide delays after overhead line issues
A New Generation Rollingstock train is at the centre of the network-wide delays causing serious headaches for south-east Queensland commuters on Sunday.
Queensland Rail said an NGR train came into contact with the overhead power lines between Central and Roma Street stations at about 8.30pm on Saturday night, resulted in damage to both the train and network power supply.
QR said 1.2 kilometres of damaged overhead equipment needed to be repaired after the incident involving the Airport service and overhead lines resulted in sparks flying.
Almost 60 passengers were stranded on board the damaged NGR train for just over an hour on Saturday night before they were able to disembark.
The incident caused delays on Saturday night and they continued on Sunday, with 20-minute delays across the network and buses called in to replace affected services.
"Crews are working as quickly as possible to repair the damage and services have been restored through to Roma Street station," QR said in a statement.
"Services that would normally pass South Brisbane station on the Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Cleveland lines are being rerouted through the Tennyson loop line.
"Gold Coast and Beenleigh trains are running express from Moorooka to Roma Street stations and Cleveland trains are running express from Buranda to Roma Street, stopping only at Yeerongpilly station.
"Rail replacement buses are conveying customers wanting to access stations between Moorooka and Roma Street.
"All other services are experiencing moderate delays as they pass through the inner-city area."
QR apologised to affected customers and said it expected the repairs to be completed before the Monday morning peak hour, but vowed to keep customers informed through the TransLink website.
"Repairs are continuing today and we ask that people allow additional travel time if travelling through the inner city area," the statement read.
"Our first priority is safely repairing the damage to overhead power lines and restoring full services for our customers. Investigations will be undertaken to determine the cause of the issue."