NSW: XPT services won't resume until declared safe: govt

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2006
NSW: XPT services won't resume until declared safe: govt

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - The NSW country rail fleet of XPTs won't return to service until
they get the green light from an independent safety regulator, says NSW Transport Minister
John Watkins says.

XPT services have been suspended since a passenger train derailed in central western
NSW last Thursday.

The back axles of a power car came off the track on a Melbourne-to-Sydney train early
yesterday as the XPT approached Harden station.

While RailCorp examines the wheel sets of all XPT power cars, buses will replace trains
on all NSW services.

Mr Watkins said all the relevant Railcorp inspections should be completed by tomorrow,
but XPT services won't resume until the all clear from the International Transport Safety
Association (ITSA).

"XPT won't be rolling out again until ITSA gives the tick off," Mr Watkins told reporters
in Sydney.

"Safety is our highest priority.

"I really need to assure the public, we'll get those XPT cars back on the track as
soon as we can safely do (so)."

AAP acb/smb/it/de

KEYWORD: XPT

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