The reporter has raised safety concerns in relation to unsafe practices contributing to train driver fatigue.
The reporter advised train drivers operating between [Location 1] and [Location 2] will at times swap runs with other drivers in order to go home 2 hours 30 minutes early. These run swaps are not approved through the rostering department and are unofficially known as a '[run swap]'. [Run swaps] have been conducted by [Location 1] depot train drivers for many years and drivers who do not wish to participate in the [run swaps] are pressured to participate by other drivers. The reporter advised of a serious safety incident that occurred on [date] where the driver involved was believed to have participated in a [run swap]. This incident has been reported to ONRSR. The reporter is concerned drivers participating in [run swaps] are becoming fatigued, driving [in excess of five hours] without taking a meal break.
The reporter advised they have raised the safety concerns with [Operator] senior management in writing outlining the issue of [Location 1] depot drivers routinely breaking policy and procedures by conducting the [run swap]. The reporter further advised the safety concerns have been ignored as there has been no action to address the concerns raised. The reporter acknowledged [Operator] management acted to prohibit the [run swap] [six months previously] however it is believed [Location 1] train drivers continue to swap runs to this day.
The reporter is ultimately concerned that the safety concerns raised are being ignored by [Operator] management and not taken seriously with the potential for serious incidents to occur.
Thank you for your correspondence regarding the safety concerns associated with the practice informally referred to as the '[run swap]' involving train drivers operating between [Location 1] and [Location 2].
[Operator] acknowledges awareness of this unofficial practice and the potential safety risks it poses. On [date], [Operator] took decisive action to address the issue by formally communicating to all relevant operational staff that the [run swap] is strictly prohibited. This directive was issued with clear guidance that any deviation from approved rostering procedures is unacceptable and may compromise safety.
Regarding the ‘serious safety incident’ (as described by the de-identified individual) on [date], [Operator] investigated the allegation that the driver involved was alleged to have participated in a [run swap], and this was not substantiated. [Operator] confirmed that the correct drivers rostered to take all services on that day did indeed take the trains they were rostered to drive, and had not taken part in a [run swap].
Since that time, [Operator] has implemented ongoing monitoring measures to ensure compliance with rostering protocols and fatigue management standards. To date, we have received no reports or evidence indicating that the [run swap] has continued following the [date] directive. In light of this report, [Operator] have enhanced monitoring and auditing of the [run swap] with further in-person audits and CCTV desktop reviews. Daily audits recommenced week of [date] with no reports of breaches. We have committed to daily checks for the next month – both in person and CCTV if the in-person checks are not possible.
[Operator] remains committed to the safety of our passengers and staff, and we take all concerns raised seriously. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and take further action if required to uphold our safety obligations.
ONRSR confirms receipt of ATSB REPCON number RR2025-00078, dated 6 November 2025, regarding unsafe practices contributing to driver fatigue. ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response. ONRSR notes the corrective action and assurance activities undertaken by the operator and is satisfied with the operator’s response.
Further information regarding the management of fatigue-related risks associated with rail safety work is in ONRSR’s Fatigue Risk Management Guideline, available on the ONRSR website.