NSW: Opposition says Carr over-reacts to Waterfall

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2004
NSW: Opposition says Carr over-reacts to Waterfall

The New South Wales opposition has accused the CARR government of overreacting to the
Waterfall tragedy, as Sydney rail commuters face a week of delays.

Eight-eight CityRail services, including 23 peak hour services, have been cancelled
until Friday due to a driver shortage.

The problem is partly due to stricter medical tests for drivers introduced after the
Waterfall train derailment, which killed seven people.

Drivers must also be available to learn a new emergency braking system, and some are
refusing to work overtime to make up for the shortage.

Opposition Leader JOHN BROGDEN has told 2UE radio the rail system is held together
by a ratty old band aid if a handful of renegade drivers can cause such chaos.

He says the government has known about the driver shortage for years and has overreacted
to the Waterfall disaster by suddenly trying to introduce an unrealistic set of rules.

Mr CARR says it's all about safety in a bid to avoid another tragedy.

AAP RTV ved/sd/jmt

KEYWORD: TRAINS (SYDNEY)

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