Inquiries & Recommendations

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On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that Transdev Wellington and Auckland One Rail implement regular checks of the onboard radios (both in-cab main radios and in-cab back-up portable radios) in their passenger trains to ensure they can communicate with train control.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that KiwiRail review the route knowledge training for locomotive engineers to ensure infrequent driving of the route and prolonged absences are identified so that locomotive engineers have the route knowledge to travel safely.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi work with rail operators to assess the benefits of all rail operators on the Auckland rail network using a common engineering safety system to improve the safety of all users of that network.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that Transdev Wellington review the back-up portable radio system, particularly the equipment, coverage and signal strength along the network, to ensure it can transmit clear communication between train crews and train control.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that KiwiRail implement risk controls with respect to signal 308 to ensure that the hazards that have been identified are adequately mitigated.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that Transdev Wellington review and improve the training on the application of the in-cab emergency radio button simultaneously with an emergency brake application.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that Transdev Wellington and Auckland One Rail take action to fit automatic alert systems to emergency brake activations on its passenger train services, to alert train control to an emergency at the earliest possibility.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission recommended that KiwiRail review the trigger settings of its rainfall-monitoring equipment and weather risk matrix to ensure they can identify and respond to moderate or heavy rainfall that occurs within a short time period.

On 15 May 2024, the Commission recommended that the Director of Civil Aviation revise the rule, notes and guidance provided for CAR Part 12: Accidents, Incidents, and Statistics to make it clear that a door opening in flight is a safety issue and to take steps to address door-opening-in-flight occurrences that are not being promptly reported to the CAA.

On 15 May 2024, the Commission recommended that the Secretary for Transport and the Director of Civil Aviation resolve the ambiguity in the definition of ‘crew members’ in commercial transport operations and take steps to clarify the use of the term in associated rules and Advisory Circulars.

On 24 April 2024 the Commission recommended that KiwiRail satisfy itself that all waterways within the rail corridor, including those owned by third parties, have effective and up-to-date maintenance programmes to ensure that the waterways can function as designed.

On 24 April 2024 the Commission recommended that KiwiRail place greater emphasis on training rail personnel in reporting unusual weather conditions (in accordance with KiwiRail’s Operating Rules, Section 1 – General Rules, rule 6(b), to ensure they retain currency.