Transperth train driver who ran red signal and went wrong way tested for alcohol and drug use

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numloxx
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Transperth train driver who ran red signal and went wrong way tested for alcohol and drug use

Post by numloxx »

Anybody got the audio from the radio, or is it digital and encrypted nowdays?

Paywalled: https://thewest.com.au/news/transport/t ... 881994205z



A train driver who failed to stop at a red light and took passengers in the wrong direction on Friday night after the football is being investigated by the Public Transport Authority.

The incident occurred after the Geelong versus GWS Giants AFL semi-final clash at Optus Stadium, with spectators hoping to head to Joondalup instead being taken towards West Leederville.

The driver ignored a signal asking him to wait, which sent him the wrong way and triggered alarms and warning bells.

Because the train did not stop, the tracks had not been adjusted towards Joondalup and it instead continued in the direction of the previous Fremantle-bound train.


The control centre adjusted the train’s route and guided it towards its original destination, but a spokesperson said passengers decided to disembark and take another train home.

It is believed the journey — which usually takes half an hour — cost travellers about an extra 15 minutes.

One woman on-board said her footy experience was tarnished by the inconvenience she endured on the train ride home.

Authorities said the driver was immediately stood down from his shift and labelled the offence as serious.

The driver has undergone drug and alcohol testing, with the results expected in the next few days.

The Public Transport Authority said it would examine the driver’s record.

Much like the road penalty system, train drivers also have a point system.

When asked why passengers believed the driver may have been under the influence, a spokesperson would not speculate until his results were returned.

The spokesman also said the track was being upgraded while there were fewer games on the AFL schedule, so drivers may have been unfamiliar with the new track work.

He said the track has protective mechanisms to prevent train collisions and said passengers were never in danger.

The Rail Tram And Buses Union was contacted for comment.
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Re: Transperth train driver who ran red signal and went wrong way tested for alcohol and drug use

Post by yorky »

Without going into detail, there are a lot of "facts" incorrect in the article, so read with about 50 pinches of salt :shock:

The main take away from it which is one of the few truths, "...the track has protective mechanisms to prevent train collisions and said passengers were never in danger."
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